Prehabilitation, or prehab for short, is a proactive approach to injury prevention. It is a system of exercises and activities designed to improve strength, mobility, and stability before an injury occurs. Prehab programs focus on improving the overall health of the athlete by focusing on the musculoskeletal system. This includes strengthening muscles and joints while also improving flexibility and balance.

Prehab is not only important for injury prevention but also for performance enhancement. By improving strength and mobility athletes are able to perform better and more efficiently. Sometimes prehabilitation is used in the context of preparing for a surgery or procedure. However, it can be an important mindset for anyone to have. 

As a massage therapist I have often seen people get injured doing “everyday activities”. So many of us do not engage in physical activity on a regular basis. Then when we pick up a heavy bag of groceries, do yard work, paint a bedroom, throw a frisbee with the kids, we wind up hurting for days or weeks afterwards. Even people that work out on a regular basis have a tendency to do the same exercises or activities and are often in a hurry to cross their obligatory exercise time off their list of things to do. This lack of body awareness and lack of variety of movement often sets people up for injuries. 

Instead, I recommend finding a prehab routine that will fit into your daily life. You don’t necessarily need to go to a gym to do it. It is more than a warm up. It is a specific set of movements that will prep your mind and body. It activates smaller, stabilizer muscles that are crucial for preventing injury and maintaining balance. Feel free to click on the link below for an example of a great prehab routine.