During physical therapy (PT) for cardiovascular rehab, you can expect a personalized program designed to improve your circulation, strengthen your muscles, and increase your ability to move and function independently. Here’s a breakdown of what you might encounter:
Initial Assessment
Your PT will begin by evaluating your physical condition, including:
- Range of motion/flexibility: Assessing how well your joints move in your legs, ankles, and feet.
- Strength and endurance: Measuring your muscle strength and stamina, particularly in your lower body.
- Balance and coordination: Evaluating your stability and ability to move safely without falling.
- Pain level: Identifying areas where you experience pain and its impact on your movement.
Treatment Focus
Based on the assessment, your PT will create a targeted program focusing on areas like:
- Supervised exercise training: This is the core of cardiovascular PT, involving gradual increases in walking distance, intensity, and duration to improve circulation and leg muscle strength. You might use treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, or even walk outside, starting with short distances and progressing as you get stronger.
- Pain management: Techniques like heat therapy, massage, or electrical stimulation can help alleviate pain and discomfort, enabling you to exercise more comfortably.
- Balance and coordination training: Exercises to improve your stability and prevent falls, especially important for those with leg weakness or dizziness.
- Wound care: If you have diabetic foot ulcers or other skin issues related to poor circulation, your PT may guide you on proper wound care and prevention techniques.
- Education: You’ll learn about your condition, managing symptoms, healthy lifestyle habits, and fall prevention strategies.
Treatment Activities:
You can expect various activities during your PT sessions, such as:
- Walking program: Gradually increasing walking distance, speed, and terrain to improve your cardiovascular health and leg strength.
- Resistance training: Using weights, bands, or bodyweight exercises to strengthen your leg muscles and improve balance.
- Stretching and flexibility exercises: Maintaining good range of motion in your joints for easier movement and reduced pain.
- Balance training: Activities like standing on wobble boards or performing single-leg exercises to improve stability and prevent falls.
- Home exercise program: Your PT will recommend exercises you can do at home to continue your progress between sessions.
Overall, your PT will work closely with you to set realistic goals, monitor your progress, adjust your program as needed, and ensure you stay motivated and on track. They will also provide support and encouragement as you regain your strength, mobility, and confidence.
