Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Treating Cardiopulmonary Issues with Therapy
If you have pulmonary or cardiac problems, you might struggle to get enough oxygen from the air you breathe. If you've had heart, lung, chest or abdomen surgery, it might be more difficult to draw a deep breath, move around or use your arms due to pain from your surgical incision or chronic condition.
Our therapists can help your recovery after surgery and advise you on how to resume or begin an exercise program. In fact, some patients benefit from physical therapy before their planned operation.
Cardiopulmonary Conditions
- Congestive heart failure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Lung cancer
- Tracheobronchomalacia
- Sarcoidosis
Our therapists will also assess your oxygen levels to determine the right amount of oxygen you will need at home when resting or with activity, and help to get oxygen delivered to your home. We will also work with you to design a home program that you can continue with for the long term.
Physical Therapy Treatment
Depending upon your condition, recommended therapies may include:
- Conditioning exercises to improve your overall endurance
- Strengthening exercises using weights, resistance bands or body weight resistance
- Exercises to help strengthen breathing muscles and retrain your breathing pattern
- Techniques to help cough and clear mucous
- Walking, cycling, using a treadmill or stationary bike
Our physical therapists can help you transition to a program at your local YMCA, health club or community center.