Cardiac rehab is physical therapy for your cardiovascular system and is prescribed for patients who have recently had a heart attack or underwent heart surgery such as bypass (coronary artery bypass graft surgery, CABG). The goal of cardiac therapy is to strengthen the heart and prevent future heart events.
The doctors and physical therapy assistants at ProFysio Physical Therapy can play an integral role in the ongoing conditioning after the completion of the acute phase of cardiac rehab.
Prevalence of Bypass Surgery in the U.S.
CABG is one of the more common cardiac surgeries. According to iData Research, more than 300,000 CABG procedures are performed each year in the U.S. The procedure involves harvesting a vein or artery from the patient and grafting it onto the heart to bypass a blocked artery.
Close to 1 million cardiac surgeries occur annually. Other common surgical procedures of the heart include the following:
- Heart valve repair or replacement
- Pacemaker insertion
- Cardioverter defibrillator implantation
- Maze surgery
- Aneurysm repair
Cardiac rehabilitation reduces the likelihood that you will die by 35% in the 5 years following bypass surgery.
Like most movement therapy, cardiac rehab also improves patients’ mental outlook. A clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health showed that early, patient-specific cardiac rehab improved physical function and quality of life while reducing feelings of depression.
What Happens in Cardiac Rehab?
The patient’s cardiac response is closely monitored as they incrementally take on aerobic exercise (treadmill, stationary bike, etc.) and resistance training (resistance bands, hand weights, weight machines). The program is individualized to the patient’s symptoms and physical condition. As the patient becomes stronger, they are increasingly challenged in the program.
Post-bypass therapy can also include general nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle education. Prescribed cardiac rehab generally lasts six weeks to three months.
Angioplasty, heart or lung transplants, and heart valve repair or replacement are procedures that also benefit from supervised cardiac rehab.
Strengthen Your Heart Under Supervision
Bypass surgery, cardiac arrest, stroke, and other events require specialized rehabilitative care. You don’t have to have suffered a life-threatening incident to benefit from the watchful eyes of a professional. Many people are unsure how to properly warm up before exercise, which exercises are best for them, what is proper form, or how to safely progress to avoid injury.
Our aim is to strengthen your heart so that you can safely return to physical activity. The more efficient your heart becomes, the better it works even under pressure. A stronger heart can also increase the levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and reduce the bad LDL cholesterol. You may also enjoy better sleep, increased energy, and lowered osteoporosis risk.
Personalized Strength & Conditioning Plans
Our expert therapists at ProFysio Physical Therapy can evaluate your fitness level, assess conditions or weaknesses, and design an exercise regimen specific to you. Physical therapy is safe and appropriate for most but not everyone. We provide an honest assessment of how – and if – we are able to help you.
Our extensive array of services includes the following:
- Physical Therapy
- Sports Physical Therapy
- Arthritis Physical Therapy
- EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology)
- Graston Technique®
- Spine Rehabilitation
- Vestibular and Balance Therapy
- Concussion Therapy
- Cupping
- Hand Therapy
- Telehealth
We have four convenient locations in New Jersey: Aberdeen, East Brunswick, Edison, and Old Bridge. We offer personalconsultations to discuss how we can help you meet your goals. Call (732) 812-5200 to schedule.