Few things are more valuable than a strong and healthy heart. Cardiac events, such as a heart attack or unstable angina, can make it tough for your heart to work at its best. With cardiac rehab in Jersey City Heights, though, you can help your heart recover and get the tools you need to live a healthy life.
Learn more about what to expect from physical therapy in Jersey City Heights when you visit us for cardiac rehab services.
Everything You Should Know About Cardiac Rehab
Cardiac rehab is a special program designed to help your heart recover after a cardiac event or procedure, such as open heart surgery or angioplasty. Your heart is a muscle, and like every other muscle in your body, it gets stronger with exercise.
Our physical therapists at Exchange Physical Therapy Group will serve as an important part of your cardiac rehab team.
Cardiac rehab has three main goals. Your physical therapy regimen aims to:
- Lower the chance of you having future heart problems
- Boost your cardiac strength
- Improve your overall quality of life
At Exchange Physical Therapy Group, we know that no two patients are alike. That’s why your team of nurses, physiologists, and registered dieticians work together to craft a personalized cardiac rehab plan that’s a perfect fit for you.
Identifying Risk Factors
Cardiac rehab in Jersey City Heights takes a multi-pronged approach to strengthening your heart.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels can increase your chances of having a cardiac event. Other risk factors include obesity, tobacco use, and drinking too much alcohol.
Your physical therapy team will work with you to identify risk factors and give you tips for minimizing them, such as:
- Advice on how to quit smoking or reduce alcohol intake
- How to make a diet plan that includes healthy meal and snack choices
- How to lose excess weight
Exercise Counseling
If you live a relatively sedentary lifestyle and aren’t used to exercise, don’t worry! Your rehab team will design an exercise program that’s well-tailored to your physical ability and fitness level.
Exercise is a vital part of any cardiac rehab program. Just as exercise can strengthen the muscles in your arms and legs, so too can it improve the fitness of your heart. Our team will teach you easy exercises to help you get your blood pumping.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Stress can strain your heart, and that can cause problems when you’re trying to recover after a cardiac event. At Exchange Physical Therapy Group, we will teach you how to tackle everyday sources of stress with tips on how to:
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing
- Improve the way you react to stressful situations
- Cultivate a spirit of optimism and gratitude
- Manage your time and prioritize tasks
- Break complex problems into manageable chunks that are easier for you to handle
What To Expect During Your Cardiac Rehab
Cardiac rehab has three main stages. First, we’ll get in touch with you at the hospital and give you some introductory tips on how to improve heart health.
After you leave the hospital, your doctor will refer you to our outpatient program. We’ll develop a personalized care plan consisting of exercises, nutrition tips, and stress-management techniques. You’ll need to take an active role in caring for your heart throughout the program.
Once you’ve finished the program, our team will give you the tools you’ll need to continue protecting your heart on your own.
Book Your Appointment for Cardiac Rehab
If you’ve had a heart attack or other cardiac event, cardiac rehab is one of the most important things you can do to support your recovery. Exchange Physical Therapy Group offers one-on-one, hands-on rehab programs that employ proven strategies for improving heart health.
We also offer pre-surgical physical therapy, pediatric physical therapy, and vestibular rehab for people who suffer from headaches, dizziness, and vertigo.Schedule your appointment for cardiac rehab in Jersey City Heights today.
