Rehabilitation article
What is prehabilitation before joint replacement?
How education, planning and appropriate movement can help you prepare—without promising a particular result.
Published: 7/9/2026 · Updated: 7/12/2026
Author: Habilis editorial team
Preparation is broader than exercise
Prehabilitation can include learning about the operation, planning support at home, discussing medicines and practising movements that may matter after surgery.
What movement may contribute
Appropriate activity may build familiarity and confidence. The evidence suggests possible benefits, but programmes and results vary, so there is no single routine for everyone.
Set useful expectations
Aim to arrive informed and ready to participate in recovery, rather than expecting prehab to guarantee less pain or a faster discharge.
Keep the plan connected to your team
Your surgical team's restrictions, health conditions and current symptoms take priority over general online guidance.
Practical takeaways
- Ask what to practise before admission.
- Plan transport, meals and early support.
- Choose manageable preparation over last-minute intensity.
Related programmes
Scientific backing
Guideline
2022
Preoperative rehabilitation advice for hip and knee replacement
Adults listed for hip or knee replacement should receive tailored, understandable advice about preparation, exercise, lifestyle and recovery expectations.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Review
2024
Prehabilitation before total knee and hip arthroplasty
The review found some potentially relevant improvements, especially around knee arthroplasty, but heterogeneity and risk of bias prevent firm conclusions.
Adebero T et al.
Review
2017
Preoperative exercise and education before hip and knee arthroplasty
Small-to-moderate pooled effects were reported for selected outcomes, while interventions and reporting varied substantially.
Moyer R et al.