San Francisco based PeerWell is hoping to change recovery time after surgeries by putting an emphasis on pre-surgery treatments through PreHab. The company’s mission is to change the status quo by making it simple for athletes to take control of their health. PeerWell combines technology, behavioral science and community to approach the problem of injuries from a different angle.
Four-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro running back, Arian Foster, was instantly hooked when PeerWell approached him after his ruptured Achilles tendon injury in October of 2015.
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“I’ve had 14 surgeries over the course of my career,” explained Foster in a press release. “I thought I had tried everything, but when PeerWell approached me with their PreHab program, it just made a lot of sense and has made this the most successful recovery of my career.”
Foster was able to return to training after only five months. He credited his quick recovery to PeerWell and PreHab.
PreHab prepares patients for their surgery through nutrition, exercise and resilience. The personalized PreHab diet helps the body heal with better food choices. The customized exercise program improves strength, range of motion and stamina so you are strong for both the surgery and rehab. PreHab also helps prepare your home, select mobility equipment and train patients with pain management techniques.
.@ArianFoster just invested in @PeerWell, a @UChicago grad’s injury recovery startuphttps://t.co/AMGmG1xeKG pic.twitter.com/a2GUzmVcOw
— Chicago Inno (@ChicagoInno) April 22, 2016
PreHab reduces risk of infection, bleeding, blood clots and more during surgery. The unique thing about PreHab is that the company will connect users to people who are having the same surgery at the same time as, as well as a link to others who have already been through the surgery. This allows users to get hear about their recoveries and get insider advise about the recovery process.
Foster is not the only one to have a successful surgery recovery after using pre-operative preparation. According to Science Daily, there was a 29% reduction in the need for rehab services after a 4,733 patient study that used pre-operative physical therapy.
PreHab has gotten the attention of other athletes and industry veterans. Foster was inspired by his speedy recovery to become an investor of PeerWell.
“The reason I wanted to invest in this company was to bring medical care that elite athletes have access to, to the masses,” said Foster. “There are 50 million surgeries a year and PreHab could help each one – whether you’re an athlete or someone having a routine hip or knee replacement.”