Physiotherapy for Respiratory & Cardiac

Physiotherapy often includes treadmill use.

For those suffering from respiratory or cardiac weakness, even the simplest daily activities can take tremendous effort. Physiotherapy provides a medical and generally effective way to regain the strength lost due to respiratory and cardiac conditions.

Physiotherapy Definition

Physiotherapy requires the evaluation of a patient's physical injuries or disorders and the implementation of a physical exercise regiment to improve these conditions. Physiotherapists work with patients and other health care professionals to determine the best treatment for neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

Respiratory Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists assess the respiratory state of patients with conditions by watching how the chest moves and listening to how the lungs sound while breathing. Basic physiotherapy includes simple breathing exercises, advice on posture and the use of supplementary devices that aid in removing mucus from the airways and improve the strength of the lungs.

Cardiac Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists often work with patients recovering from cardiac surgery. Several weeks after surgery, physiotherapists administer a stress test to determine the level of exercise most appropriate for a patient. The therapy that follows consists of simple cardiovascular exercises, such as swimming, riding a stationary bike and walking on a treadmill. The therapy regiment aims to help patients regain strength lost through cardiac fatigue.

References

• The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: What Is Physiotherapy?
• PubMed Central - Hippokratia: Current Devices of Respiratory Physiotherapy
• The Physio Site: What Physiotherapy Has to Do with Cardiac Surgery
• Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiac Problems; Jennifer A. Pryor, S. Ammani Prasad; Elsevier Health Sciences; 2002
• Physiotherapy in Respiratory Care: An Evidence-based Approach to Respiratory and Cardiac Management; Alexandra Hough; Nelson Thornes; 2001