Heart attacks really shake up someone’s life. They make people look at their lives differently and even seek out ways to improve them. Physical therapy is just one tool that seniors might turn to after a heart attack to help them not only recover but also experience a better quality of life overall.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Physical therapists work with their patients and their patient’s healthcare providers to put together a plan for enhancing cardiovascular health. That could include strength training as well as focusing on flexibility, balance, and aerobic exercise. Physical therapists help patients do what they can now and improve their ability to do more over time.
Like every muscle, the heart needs to be challenged to grow stronger. The key is to do this with the help of a physical therapist and other medical providers so that it’s done safely.
Enhanced Physical Strength and Endurance
Heart attacks can weaken someone’s body significantly. That means that a healthy person who used to walk a lot may need to start over and build that endurance and strength back up instead of just diving into their old exercise routine.
Physical therapy helps patients to gradually improve over time, focusing on functional training first. Exercise plans are geared toward meeting patients where they are, looking at what seniors need help with related to movement. The exercise plan then focuses on rebuilding skills, strength, and endurance.
Better Emotional Well-being
There’s a lot to cope with after a heart attack. Patients experience a lot of stress, and they might even feel less confident about their daily activities, even after they recover.
Physical therapists help seniors regain their physical abilities, rebuilding their sense of trust in their bodies over time. This can help seniors get back into social activities and do other things that they used to love.
Reduced Risk of Future Heart Issues
Any plan for recovering after a heart attack includes some segments dedicated to reducing the risk of future heart issues. Physical therapists work with patients’ doctors to put together a plan that builds healthy lifestyle education, ways to manage risk factors, and information about monitoring results.
All of this together helps to keep seniors healthier and hopefully reduce some of their risk factors related to another heart attack.
Better Overall Health and Well-being
Many seniors find that over time, they start to develop better habits and feel better overall. Physical therapy helps to manage pain while increasing mobility. Since movement helps seniors be more independent, seniors experience a better overall quality of life across most areas of life.
All of these benefits work together to help aging adults bounce back successfully after a heart attack.
Physical therapy is just one portion of the recovery plan for seniors after they have a heart attack. Seniors should always talk with their doctors about what they can do to make the most of their recovery. Physical therapists offer guidance and support, being there for their patients as they adapt to their new normal after a heart attack.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Physical Therapy in Hollywood, FL, please contact the caring staff at Actify Home Care today at (954) 902-6049
Actify Home Care provides exceptional home and facility care for anyone in Broward County, including Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Parkland, Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Tamarac, Coral Springs, Miramar, Florida, and surrounding areas.
We offer services all around the South Florida area, if you have questions for us or don’t see your area listed just ask, we’d be happy to help. Contact us today!
- Helping Your Elderly Loved One Manage Change - November 21, 2024
- Helping Your Senior Recover from a Broken Bone - November 11, 2024
- Symptoms of Aphasia - October 18, 2024
