Completing a cardiac rehabilitation program marks a significant milestone in recovering from a heart-related event. However, the journey toward optimal heart health extends beyond rehab completion. Cardiac physiotherapy Edmonton is vital in maintaining and enhancing the progress achieved during rehabilitation. These practices are crucial for keeping the heart strong and reducing the risk of future cardiac events.
Causes and Symptoms of Heart Conditions
Heart conditions such as heart attacks, heart failure, and coronary artery disease are often the result of factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms of heart conditions may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats. Following a cardiac event, patients may experience weakened heart muscles, reduced physical endurance, and the risk of recurrent cardiac episodes. Continued physio is essential to address these symptoms and reduce the risk of further complications.
Essential Post-Rehab Physiotherapy Exercises for Heart Strengthening
Essential post-rehabilitation physiotherapy exercises are crucial for strengthening the heart and enhancing cardiovascular health. The experts in cardiac physiotherapy in Edmonton offer customized exercise programs to promote optimal recovery and heart function.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercises are essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. They enhance the efficiency of the heart and lungs, improving oxygen delivery to the muscles.
For example, brisk walking involves warming up with 5-10 minutes of slow walking, then increasing the pace to a brisk walk that allows for conversation but induces slight breathlessness, maintaining this pace for 20-30 minutes, and concluding with a 5-10 minute cool-down at a slower pace. Try to perform this exercise 3-5 times a week.
Similarly, stationary cycling starts with a 5-minute warm-up at low resistance, followed by gradually increasing resistance to a moderate level where the heart rate rises but breathing remains steady. It continues for 20-30 minutes and then cools down by reducing resistance and cycling slowly for 5 minutes. Try to perform this exercise 3-4 times per week.
Resistance Training
Resistance training is a critical component in post-rehabilitation for heart conditions. It builds muscle strength and endurance, reducing the heart’s workload during daily activities.
For example, wall push-ups involve standing about an arm’s length from a wall, placing hands at shoulder height, bending the elbows to lean towards the wall, and then pushing back to the starting position. This exercise, performed in 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions, should be done 2-3 times weekly to support cardiovascular recovery.
Similarly, seated leg lifts are performed by sitting in a chair with feet on the floor, lifting one leg straight out in front and holding it for a count of three before lowering it, then repeating with the other leg. This exercise, also recommended 2-3 times per week, involves 2-3 sets of 10 repetitions per leg and helps enhance lower body strength, contributing to overall cardiovascular health and recovery.
Flexibility and Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises play a vital role in post-rehabilitation for heart conditions by maintaining joint flexibility and preventing muscle stiffness, which is crucial for overall mobility and heart health.
For example, the hamstring stretch involves sitting on the edge of a chair with one leg and the other foot flat on the floor. Reach the toes of the extended leg while keeping the back straight, and hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds before switching legs. Perform 2-3 repetitions per leg, ideally daily, especially after aerobic exercises.
The shoulder stretch requires standing or sitting up straight, reaching one arm across the chest, and using the other hand to gently press it closer, holding the stretch for 15-30 seconds before switching arms. This stretch should also be done daily, with 2-3 repetitions per arm, to support flexibility and recovery in a post-rehabilitation program.
Balance and Coordination Training
Balance exercises are crucial in post-rehabilitation for heart conditions, as they help reduce the risk of falls and improve overall stability.
For instance, the heel-to-toe walk involves standing with arms extended for balance, walking in a straight line by placing the heel of one foot in front of the toes of the other, taking 10-15 steps, turning around, and repeating. This exercise should be performed in 2-3 sets, ideally 3-4 times per week.
Similarly, the single-leg stand requires standing near a wall or chair for support, lifting one foot off the ground, and balancing on the other leg for 15-30 seconds before switching legs. This exercise should also be done in 2-3 sets per leg, 3-4 times per week, to enhance stability and support recovery in post-rehabilitation programs.
Lifestyle Modifications
Physiotherapy is most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle modifications in post-rehabilitation for heart conditions. Adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stress are essential to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in providing education and support to help patients make these changes, ensuring their hearts remain strong and healthy over the long term.
Monitoring Progress and Adjusting the Program
Continued physiotherapy allows for regular monitoring of a patient’s progress. This ongoing assessment ensures that the exercise program remains effective and safe. Physiotherapists regularly evaluate heart rate, blood pressure, and physical performance to adjust the program. This proactive approach helps prevent potential setbacks and ensures continuous improvement in cardiovascular health.
Embracing the Path to Lifelong Heart Health
Maintaining heart health is a lifelong journey that extends beyond rehabilitation. At Next Step Physiotherapy Clinic, they are committed to supporting patients on this journey with personalized post-rehab therapy programs tailored to meet individual needs through cardiac physiotherapy in Edmonton. For those who have completed cardiac rehab and wish to ensure their heart remains strong and healthy, Next Step Physiotherapy Clinic offers continued support. Patients are encouraged to take the next step toward lifelong well-being by scheduling a consultation today.
Read More: Nurturing New Beginnings
