AGE WELL is Canada’s “technology and aging network." AGE WELL is a federally funded network that is focused on utilizing technology to allow older adults to live meaningful lives at home. AGE WELL achieves this mission by collaborating with researchers, student trainees, technology partners and by supporting startups that help with aging and technology. The 2023-2024 AGE WELL Annual Report highlights the work done by the network to help over 5000 older adults and their caregivers, 2994 publications they have helped to release and the more than 70 startups they have supported. Curovate, a digital health company that has developed a physical therapy app, is one of those 70 startups. AGE WELL provided the initial funding that made Curovate’s work and existence possible through the Strategic Investment Program (Sip) Accelerator Funding in 2018. Over the past 7 years Curovate has continued to work with older adults who require pre and post-operative physical therapy for knee replacements and hip replacements. For their Annual Report, AGE WELL spoke with and conducted a photoshoot with one of our clients Peter Crosby.
I know and work with Peter personally as his physical therapist prior to and after both of his knee replacements. Peter recognizes the importance of “prehab” or pre-rehabilitation which simply means completing physical therapy exercises prior to a major surgery. You can read all about the importance of prehab for knee replacements in our blog here. The goal of prehab is to get your knee joint ready for surgery, improve your knee bending and straightening and increase your strength and balance before surgery. If people are able to complete rehabilitation before their knee replacement they will have an easier recovery and better outcomes after surgery. One aspect of prehab that is not mentioned in the scientific literature is the fact that structured physical therapy exercises are much easier if you have already done them prior to surgery. After a knee replacement you will experience pain, swelling and disturbed sleep for some time. With all of this going on, learning new exercises is very challenging. If you have already done all of the exercises as part of your prehab then doing them after surgery is much easier. Read our previous blog to learn about what to expect after a knee replacement.
What the research does prove is that people who complete a structured prehab program have better knee range of motion, improved strength and better overall outcomes compared to people who do not complete rehabilitation prior to surgery. If you read about Peter’s experience of using Curovate prior to and after his knee replacement you will hear all about the benefits of prehab. You can read Peter’s full story in AGE WELL’s Annual Report here.
Conclusion
Curovate has been working with AGE WELL since 2018 and we appreciate the support that we have received from the network. In this blog I discuss how AGE WELL helped to fund the early work that Curovate was doing and how they continue to support us through mentorship, strategic partnerships with home care agencies and featuring Curovate in their publications. In AGE WELL’s 2023-2024 Annual Report you can read all about Peter Crosby who has benefited by using Curovate prior to and after his knee replacement to return to a healthy and active life.
Curovate continus to help people with their pre and post-operative rehabilitation for knee replacements and hip replacements. If you are preparing for your surgery and you need at-home rehabilitation download Curovate from one of our links below.
If you need further customized assistance during your surgery or injury recovery check out our Virtual Physical Therapy page to book your 1-on-1 video session with a physical therapist.
