The human body is a complex and unique machine. It can take years to understand how the different parts work, what they do, and how they affect each other. Many illnesses affect our heart, lungs, or both. The good news is that there are also treatments available to help people get healthy again! Enter: cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy.
What is cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy?
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy helps patients improve heart and lung health. The goal of cardiopulmonary rehab is to help patients maintain and recover lung function while also strengthening their cardiovascular system. Treatment includes exercises designed to strengthen the heart and lungs, increase physical endurance and improve overall body strength.
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is designed to treat acute conditions like asthma and chest infections, along with a range of chronic cardiac and respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF). Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is also recommended for anyone recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery. It can also help prevent a future heart attack by helping people improve their cardiovascular health.
Is cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy like traditional physical therapy?
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is designed to address specific issues.
Cardiopulmonary physiotherapists use a variety of different exercises and techniques to treat people with heart and lung problems. This can involve a combo of manual techniques such as chest percussion and vibration, postural drainage (to clear infected mucus from a person’s chest), noninvasive ventilation (to help with breathing) and therapeutic exercises designed to improve fitness, mobility and the physical ability to partake in daily life.
Why would I need to seek treatment?
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is used to treat a variety of health conditions which affect the heart and lungs. You may find cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy helpful if you are experiencing any of the following.
- Asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- COPD
- Coronary Stent Placement
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Heart valve replacement
- Lung cancer
- Lung transplants
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Post Coronary bypass Surgery
- Sarcoidosis
What are the risks of seeking treatment?
As with any type of treatment, there are risks involved. If you have any questions about the possible risks of cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, be sure to call your primary care doctor or cardiologist for more information.
How will I know if this is right for me?
You should consider cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy in the case where you have or have recently experienced a medical condition that’s affected your heart or lung health, such as those listed above.
If you have questions about whether cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is right for you, speak to your primary care physician or click here to learn more.
