Why preparation matters
Patients who are physically and mentally prepared for surgery tend to:
- Recover faster
- Experience fewer complications
- Spend less time in hospital
- Return home confidently, often on the same day
By improving your strength, fitness, and understanding of the recovery process, we can help make the whole journey smoother and more positive.
Prehabilitation
Once you and your orthopaedic surgeon have agreed that joint surgery is the best option to treat your knee or hip, improving your physical and mental wellbeing can help you cope with what’s ahead. This is called prehabilitation. Prehabilitation is all about undertaking good preparation for your body and mind before your surgery. Taking some simple steps to maintain your health and fitness can reduce your risks of complications and improve your wellbeing now and in your recovery. You should start prehabilitation as soon as you are placed on the waiting list for surgery. This will ensure you are waiting well in the weeks leading up to your operation.
Keeping active
Being physically active before surgery can have great benefits for your heart and lungs. Even small improvements in fitness can really support your recovery.
We realise your orthopaedic problems may limit your activity but it is important to try to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (20-30 minutes per day), for example a brisk walk, swim or cycle where you are slightly short of breath.
Visit a local sports and leisure centre to explore exercise options for every ability.
You can also find lots of exercise tutorials online.
Visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/ or cpoc.org.uk/news/joe-wicks-helps-people-get-fit-surgery
Eating well
Maintaining a stable weight and eating a healthy and nutritious diet in the weeks leading up to your surgery is essential for the healing and recovery process.
Food and nutrition | NHS inform
Lifestyle choices
Preparing for surgery is a good opportunity to stop smoking and or reduce excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcohol can affect your health and the way your body responds to surgery and treatment. Ensure you do not consume more than 14 units per week (equal to 6 pints of average strength beer or 6 small glasses of wine). More than 3 units per day impairs your immunity and affects your livers ability to process medication and help blood to clot.
You can self-refer or ask for a referral to alcohol services Fife Alcohol and Drugs service can provide support to help you reduce your alcohol consumption and is completely confidential.
Fife Alcohol and Drugs service: 01592 206200
Smokers have been shown to be at increased risk of wound infection, poor healing, blood clots, early loosening of joint replacement implants and the need for earlier surgery to address complications.
Stopping smoking prior to your surgery will reduce your chances of post-operative complications and will help to speed up your recovery. Quit Your Way Scotland is an advice and support service for anyone trying to stop smoking in Scotland. The service can help you to create a personal plan to help you quit, in a way that suits you, and can offer you support and advice.
Mental health and wellbeing
Having an operation can be a stressful and anxious experience. It’s important to take steps to maintain good mental health and wellbeing.
- Try to ensure you get regular exercise.
- Try breathing techniques which can help you to reduce stress and anxiety. Try to breathe in slowly, hold for five seconds and then exhale several times in the day.
- Relaxation techniques such as relaxing music, meditation or mindfulness can help you to de-stress. These techniques can be guided via online apps such as ‘stress and anxiety companion’ or ‘sleepio’ on the Android and Apple app stores.
- Try to talk to your friends and family about any worries or concerns you may have.
Preparing you for a better recovery
Here in the Orthopaedic National Treatment Centre in NHS Fife we offer a face to face ‘Get Set for Surgery’ education session for patients who are about to undergo a hip or knee replacement. This session is offered 6-8 weeks prior to your surgery.
What the education session involves
Prehabilitation (“Prehab”)
Prehabilitation is all about undertaking good preparation for your body and mind before your surgery.
Keeping active
At the information session our clinical team will guide you through tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joint before surgery. These muscles will play a crucial role in supporting you immediately afterwards, when your new joint is at its most sensitive.
Nutrition support
Good nutrition is vital for healing. We’ll help you understand what foods support recovery and how to make sure you’re eating well in the lead-up to your operation.
Lifestyle advice
We’ll discuss key factors that can improve surgical outcomes, such as:
- Reducing or stopping smoking
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Managing weight where appropriate
- Mental wellbeing
Even small changes can make a big difference.
Mental preparation
Having surgery can be stressful and an anxious experience. You will have the opportunity to learn what to expect before, during and after your surgery. There is lots of opportunity and time to ask any questions or discuss any worries or anxieties you have with one of our health care professionals.
Orientation to the clinical environment
You are given a tour of the National Treatment Centre so you can see where you will go on the day of surgery. Knowing the environment helps reduce anxiety and prepares you for the journey ahead.
Support for relatives and carers
Family members and or carers are welcome to attend the session with you so they know how best to support you at home both before and after surgery.
By taking part in Get Set for Surgery, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance of:
- A smoother hospital experience
- A safer, quicker recovery
- Returning to the activities you enjoy
If you have any questions, the team will be there throughout to guide, support, and reassure you.
