WHAT IS CARDIAC PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Cardiac rehabilitation vs Physical therapy

Image 1: Cardiac physiotherapy in ICU, Source: brighamhealthonamission.org

Cardiac physiotherapy, is a customized exercise based program designed to improve the heart’s health after a cardiac event or procedure. It is a component of physical therapy which majorly focuses on improving functions of the cardiovascular system. Cardiac physiotherapy combines various methods and techniques to improve cardiac condition.It involves customized cardiopulmonary exercises, Hand on techniques, Deep breathing techniques, aerobic activities and relaxation techniques and methods to manage stress, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Apart from this it involves education on diet and lifestyle management to help patients achieve their goals.

Cardiac physiotherapy is meant to improve the quality of life and promotes early independence after a heart surgery. It is a major component of cardiac rehabilitation programs. After undergoing a cardiac event or cardiac surgery the patient is provided with cardiac physiotherapy from the first day post surgery and is continued even after his discharge from the hospital. On the other hand, physical therapy is focused more on improving injury related inabilities of the body .In cases of sore ligaments, torn ligaments or broken bones, physical therapy comes into play. Physical therapy helps in bringing back the strength of ligaments, tendons or muscle which supposedly gets reduced after an injury or a surgical procedure. Athletes on the ground facing sudden injuries of knee, ankle and foot are relieved by immediate actions of a physical therapist.

Physical therapy is an umbrella term which includes different methods to treat different parts of body, it can focus on heart (cardiac physiotherapy), Nerves (neuro physiotherapy), Bones (Orthopedic Physiotherapy), muscles (musculoskeletal physiotherapy and sporting activities (sports physiotherapy). Physical therapy is also involved in pain reduction, weight loss and stroke management.

WHO PROVIDES CARDIAC PHYSIOTHERAPY?

A Cardiac physiotherapist is a medical professional who specializes in treating patients suffering or had suffered from any cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases or had undergone any surgery procedure for the same. The cardiac physiotherapist is one who holds a bachelor’s degree in their respective field with a specialization in cardiovascular branch. They are experienced healthcare professionals who assess, evaluate and implement personalized exercise based programs according to the patients capacity and needs. They use different certified hand on techniques and specialized machines to improve the effectiveness of each physiotherapy session.
They provide physical, social, emotional and educational support through the physiotherapy program.

WHO NEEDS CARDIAC PHYSIOTHERAPY PROGRAM?

Cardiac physiotherapy program is available for anyone, people of all ages and gender, who has suffered from any cardiopulmonary diseases or undergone a cardiac surgery such as:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG)
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
• Congestive heart failure( CHF)
• Myocardial infarction (MI)
• Valve replacement surgery (Mvr)
• Stent placement surgery
• Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR)
• Heart or Lung transplant

In non emergency cases, the cardiopulmonologist advises you to enroll in a cardiac physiotherapy program till the scheduled date, this helps in reducing the prolonged side effects of the surgery and promotes early independence.
You may also enroll after facing certain symptoms like chest pain or angina, difficulty in breathing, early breathlessness and fatigue.
Apart from post surgical needs, cardiac physiotherapy is also used to manage blood sugar levels

• Lipid profiles
• Blood pressure
• obstructive and restrictive cardiopulmonary diseases.