Can Physical Therapy Help Improve Cardiovascular Health?

Have you ever been told that you are at high risk for developing cardiovascular problems? While it’s not news that anyone would like to hear, there are ways to address these risks and improve your cardiovascular health with physical therapy. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, our team would like to honor American Heart Month by discussing how physical therapy can help your cardiovascular health. Continue reading to learn more! 

What Is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in the United States. Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and circulatory system. Some of the types of cardiovascular disease include:

• Hypertension.
• Heart Attack.
• Coronary Heart Disease.
• Stroke.

Nearly half of all adults have at least one risk factor for developing heart disease. These include smoking, stress, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle. Fortunately, heart disease can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices, including physical therapy. 

Physical Therapy For Cardiovascular Health

At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, we understand that chronic pain and mobility issues prevent many of us from staying active. That is why it’s critical that you seek treatment as a sedentary lifestyle is a major cardiac risk factor. Our team will design a customized physical therapy program that helps you exercise safely and effectively to prevent the development of heart disease. We also utilize physical therapy as a tool for patients with cardiovascular disease to improve their overall fitness and aerobic capacity. Our therapists will assess your unique needs and execute a therapy program to improve your strength and endurance. Our programs can include flexibility exercises, aerobic conditioning, and strength training. Incorporating regular aerobic and strengthening exercises into your daily routine can lower your risk of developing heart disease. Here are some of the ways that physical therapy can improve your heart health:

• Lowers your heart rate when exercising and at rest. 
• Reduces blood pressure. 
• Strengthens your muscles and improves their ability to draw oxygen from the blood. 
• Helps address the adverse effects of smoking and can help you quit. 
• Reduces chronic inflammation throughout the body. 
• Helps you maintain a healthy weight. 
• Slows the development of diabetes and increases your insulin sensitivity. 
• Relieves or lowers stress, which is a contributing factor to the development of hypertension. 

Contact Us

This February, start taking charge of your cardiovascular health. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, our team will develop an exercise program that is right for you to prevent the development of heart disease. Be sure to contact us today and start your commitment to a healthier and happier life.