The cardiovascular system, encompassing the heart, blood vessels, and blood, is the focal point of cardiac rehabilitation. This process aims to enhance cardiovascular health by optimising the heart's function and improving overall circulation.
Typical referral reasons for Physio-led Cardiac Rehab
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Post-Cardiac Event (Heart Attack): Beneficial for individuals recovering from a heart attack, aiding in regaining strength and cardiovascular fitness.
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Cardiac Surgeries (Bypass, Valve Replacement): Crucial post-surgery for recovery facilitation and complication prevention.
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Heart Failure Management: Physiotherapy assists in managing symptoms and improving exercise tolerance for individuals with heart failure.
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Chronic Cardiovascular Conditions: Ongoing rehabilitation is beneficial for maintaining cardiovascular health in conditions such as coronary artery disease or stable angina as well as cardiovascular health risk factors such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and high cholesterol.
What is the process and options for rehabilitating?
Firstly, an OHL Physio will conduct a comprehensive assessment to grasp an individual's cardiac health. This includes evaluating baseline heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, and identifying any limitations or symptoms during physical activity.
Once a baseline status is understood, our OHL Physios work with our clients to best achieve their function goals. An OHL Physio will employ a holistic approach to cardiac rehabilitation, with options of care including:
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Individualised Exercise Programs: Tailored to the individual's cardiac condition, fitness level and goals, an OHL Physio can create you exercise program to be completed at home, at your local gym and/or this program can happen weekly in our Strength Lab with your Physio in a 1 to 1 setting.
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Supervised Exercise Programs within an OHL Group Physio class: Easily, its your individualised program (as noted above) within our Group Physio class timetable. Joining a maximum of three other people in classes, you can complete your cardiac rehab goals supervised by your Physio in our Strength Lab facility (and using SpO2 monitors to watch your oxygenation).
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Education: Imparting crucial knowledge on heart-healthy lifestyles, stress management, and appropriate exercise techniques to empower individuals for long-term cardiovascular health. This could also see referrals to our OHL Dietitian to ensure you’re making the very best choices for your heart health.
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Risk Factor Management: Collaborating with healthcare providers to address and manage cardiovascular risk factors.
In summary, Cardiac rehabilitation within OHL (whether it be in class, by appointment or simply a plan) is a vital component of comprehensive cardiovascular care, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle. Tailored programs benefit individuals, especially those with hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, by managing cardiovascular risk factors effectively.
Want to start today? Book in an appointment with an OHL Physio to start by calling us on 9431 5955 or you can book via our Client Portal on our website.
