PHYSIOTHERAPY & HEALTH

Cardiovascular Health

In theory cardiovascular disease (CVD) is largely preventable by lifestyle changes. A vital lifestyle change is exercise and physiotherapists are experts in designing appropriate exercise programs and teaching patients how to adhere to them. Early intervention can reduce morbidity thus improving the patient's wellbeing and reducing reliance on drugs and expensive interventions.

Exercise programs must be carefully tailored for each individual's current level of fitness and morbidity. Physiotherapists are experts in assessing fitness and prescribing exercise programs.

One consequence of CVD is stroke. When a patient is unlucky enough to suffer a stroke, she or he can experience movement impairment and paralysis. Physiotherapists specialise in re-educating normal movement, helping patients to regain the maximum level of independence in their lives. Without physiotherapy rehabilitation many stroke victims would not enjoy maximum mobility.

Physiotherapy is highly effective in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and assists in the reduction of complications following cardiothoracic surgery.