The process of recovering from heart problems such as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) involves more than just living through the experience. It’s about getting an active life. Following a heart attack or other CAD-related event, the body and heart require care, time and the proper direction to heal correctly. The role of physiotherapy is crucial during this process, aiding you in regaining fitness, enhancing the health of your heart, and returning to the things you enjoy safely.
Why Physiotherapy is Important
Most people believe that physiotherapy’s only about exercising; however, for those suffering from heart problems, it’s more than exercise. A physiotherapist develops a program to help your heart muscles, and perhaps even your mental health, recuperate. If you follow the correct strategy, physiotherapy may assist you in:
- Build your heart strength safely
- Enhance stamina and increase energy levels for everyday work
- Avoid future heart issues
- Relieve anxiety and stress, which often accompany the event of a heart
Stages of Recovery
1. Early Phase – Right After Leaving the Hospital
The initial days and weeks are focused on light exercises. Easy activities such as short walks, gentle stretching and breathing exercises aid in helping the lungs and heart recuperate, reduce stiffness and maintain your circulation.
2. Intermediate Phase – Weeks 2 to 12
As you get stronger, the physiotherapist can guide you through specific activities that are low impact, such as cycling, walking or even easy aerobics. Additionally, you’ll learn how to stand, sit, and perform everyday tasks without stressing your heart.
3. Long-Term Phase – Maintaining Heart Health
After you’ve recovered your strength, the emphasis shifts towards keeping your heart in good shape in the long term. The physiotherapist will devise exercises which you can practice at home. They will also provide guidelines for your nutrition, sleep and managing stress. The next step is to make healthier habits an integral element of your lifestyle.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Be aware of your heart rate as well as your blood pressure when you exercise.
- Make sure you are consistent. Small daily actions matter more than those occasional sessions that are long and arduous.
- Beware of smoking cigarettes and reduce your intake of alcohol.
- Make sure you keep regular appointments with your physician and physiotherapist.
Small Steps, Big Results
- Take a walk for 20-30 minutes each day
- Flex gently and stay elastic
- Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation or even deep breaths.
For those who are unable to go to an office often, Online Physiotherapy Services allow you to keep your rehabilitation going from the comfort of your own home. Through expert advice, progress monitors, and customised strategies, you’ll be able to get back to your home.
FAQs
Gentle exercises typically begin several days after you leave the hospital. You can get guidance from a physiotherapist as well as your physician.
No. The physiotherapy program complements treatments, but it is not a substitute for prescribed medicines.
4-5 each week is the ideal frequency according to your ability and your recovery level.
Yes. They let you be guided through a program as well as track progress and seek modifications from a trained professional without having to visit an office.
High-intensity exercises, lifting heavy, or any activity that causes breathing or chest pain must be kept to a minimum until cleared by a physical therapist.