Why prehabilitation is helping patients feel stronger before surgery
Facing major surgery can be overwhelming. Many people may feel anxious or worried about how long recovery will take and unsure of what to expect once they wake up in hospital. But a growing body of evidence shows there’s something that can make a real difference well before the operation even begins: prehabilitation.
A new study by Nepean Hospital researchers involving 107 patients who underwent major abdominal or thoracic surgery found that a structured prehabilitation program helped them feel stronger, more confident and better prepared, with an impressive 98% saying they would recommend the program to others.
So what exactly is prehabilitation and why are patients calling it a vital part of their surgical journey?
What is prehabilitation?
Prehabilitation is a program designed to help patients get into the best possible physical and mental shape before major surgery.
Patients take part in a combination of:
- Supervised gym sessions focusing on strength and aerobic fitness
- Home‑based exercises with easy‑to‑follow instructions
- Education sessions led by physiotherapists, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists
- Medical optimisation by physicians
- Nutrition guidance to support healing
- Breathing and coughing techniques
- Emotional supports with opportunities to share experiences with others
Rather than waiting until after surgery to rebuild strength and confidence, prehabilitation helps patients start that journey early.
Why prehabilitation matters
Major abdominal and chest surgeries can be physically demanding, often involving long recoveries. But preparing the body beforehand can make a noticeable difference and even help reduce a patient’s length of stay at hospital.
Patients in the study reported that prehabilitation:
Boosted their physical strength
Many participants said the exercises helped them feel more capable and confident as their surgery approached.
One patient shared:
“Exercises for muscle strengthening were especially useful.”
Another said:
“I thought doing those exercises would get me into trouble and rest was necessary; however, the exercises helped me get out of bed and reduced my hospital length of stay.”
Improved their mental preparedness
Fear and uncertainty are common before major surgery. The program helped ease that anxiety by giving people practical tools and a sense of control.
As one participant explained:
“This program helped both physically and mentally. Sharing your journey with other people in the clinic gave me comfort to realise I wasn’t alone.”
Helped them know what to expect
Education sessions covered topics like pain control, post‑operative complications and what recovery might look like.
One participant commented:
“Glad you told us about managing pain.”
Others said the written booklet helped them revisit information when nerves made it hard to concentrate during classes.
What patients valued most
When asked what part of the program they found most helpful, 90% of patients said the combination of exercise and education. This shows that prehabilitation isn’t just about physical training, it’s a holistic approach that prepares body and mind together.
Patients also praised the staff who delivered the program:
“The team was great from the initial meeting through my stay in the hospital. Very friendly personnel and knowledgeable in their field.”
A growing part of modern surgical care
Research is highlighting patients want prehabilitation, they value it and believe it improves their surgical experience.
With 98% of participants willing to recommend the program the findings suggest that prehabilitation could benefit many more patients in the future.
By helping people build strength, reduce anxiety, and understand their recovery, prehabilitation is fast becoming an essential part of modern, patient‑centred healthcare.