What Prehab and Rehab Really Mean — and Why They Matter
Ever noticed how some people bounce back from surgery as if nothing happened, while others struggle to regain their strength?
It is rarely just luck. Preparation and consistency are usually the secret.
The way you train before and after surgery can make all the difference — not just to your recovery, but to your long-term mobility
and independence. That is where prehabilitation (prehab) and rehabilitation (rehab) come in.
The Stats You Can’t Ignore
- 70% of Australians aged 65 and over have at least one chronic condition (ABS, 2022)
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations and deaths in older Australians (AIHW, 2023)
- Only 15% of Australian adults meet the recommended strength-based activity guidelines (AIHW, 2020)
- Strength and balance training can reduce falls by up to 30% (WHO, 2021)
The good news? Many of these risks can be reduced with the right movement habits.
What Is Prehab?
Think of prehab as preparation for a big event. It is about strengthening your muscles, joints and nervous system before surgery
or a period of high physical demand. Going in stronger means you are better equipped to cope with the stress of surgery and recover faster.
What Is Rehab?
Rehab is the recovery phase — restoring movement, strength and function after surgery or injury. Skipping it might not stop you from
getting back on your feet, but it can slow your progress, increase your risk of re-injury and limit your long-term mobility.
In short: prehab helps you go in stronger, rehab helps you come out better.
The Three Pillars of a Strong Recovery
- Strength training – Builds lean muscle, supports joints and maintains bone density, which is especially important for women
post-menopause when the risk of osteoporosis increases. - Flexibility and mobility work – Improves joint range of motion, boosts circulation and helps reduce pain, speeding up healing.
- Balance and coordination training – Improves stability, helps prevent falls and keeps your nervous system sharp for better
movement control.
Why It Matters
An effective approach to prehab and rehab can:
- Speed up recovery and reduce complications
- Lower pain levels and improve energy
- Reduce the risk of falls and re-injury
- Help you stay active, independent and confident
Strong Today, Strong Tomorrow
Whether you are preparing for surgery, recovering from an injury, or simply want to future-proof your mobility, investing in your
strength, flexibility and balance now will pay off for years to come.
Your body is your lifelong home — and the more you take care of it today, the better it will serve you tomorrow.
