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February is American Heart Month, a national observation that raises awareness of heart disease and spreads helpful information about heart health. Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women? This ailment is responsible for one in every four fatalities. The heart is the most vital organ in the human body, yet many of us take little to no action to keep in healthy. How can physical therapy improve heart health?
1. Address Mobility Issues
If you have been plagued by an injury or medical condition that keeps you from moving as often as the average person, a physical therapist can help you safely regain activity. We work with patients to strengthen injured or weak areas of the body and slowly progress into a regular exercise regimen.
Daily walks and choosing to take the stairs over the elevator are two great ways to promote a heart healthier lifestyle, without pushing the body too hard!
2. Tailored Exercise Plans
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 36.5 percent of American adults are considered obese. Obesity is a contributing factor of serious heart problems, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. A licensed physical therapist can evaluate your weight and overall physical state to help you set realistic goals. This will include an exercise plan with warm-up and cool-down movements to help prevent injury. This can be especially critical for beginners, who could find themselves sidelined by an injury if not careful.
3. Prevent Opioid Abuse
Unfortunately, many people have been prescribed opioids to help manage chronic pain. These drugs have very serious side effects and can cause dependency, which often leads to overdose. Opioids have a direct connection to cardiovascular issues like heart disease, yet many people do not know that physical therapy is a safe alternative to these drugs.
When you come to one of our Connecticut clinics for relief from your chronic pain, we will teach you the necessary exercises and postures to maintain moving forward, so you do not have to become dependent on opioids.
At Integrated Rehabilitation Services, we are much more than physical therapists. Many of our staff members have special certifications that no other clinic in the area can match. If you need to get your heart in better shape, choose physical therapy treatment.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!