Therapy management programs are a structured program of rehabilitation exercises and education that helps the victim of a heart attack return to optimal fitness. There are often a team of specialists involved in the management program. These specialists work hand-in-hand to improve functional mobility, reduce the risk factors related to the cardiac event and to assist the patient and his family cope with the psychosocial effects that may have an influence on recovery.
As a member of the team that develops the therapy management programs, physical therapists help in the evaluation of cardiac function and assess any impairment that may limit the patient’s mobility. They also prescribe progressive exercise and activities, all aimed at getting the patient back to living a normal life.
The therapy management programs break down into four phase. The first phase happens in the hospital right after you had the heart attack, the other three phases happen in rehab center or in the home of the person who suffered the attack.
Phase one: Acute
As soon as possible after the attack, cardiac rehab happens. An acute care PT works closely with the doctors and nurses, this allows the patient to begin regaining lost mobility immediately. The goals of phase one care are:
1. Assess the effects the attack has had on the cardiovascular system
2. Planning of discharge
3. Prescription of exercises to improve mobility and fitness
4. Address the risk factors that lead to the cardiac event
At this stage, the PT works with the patient and family, providing information and education about the condition and the risks and benefits of cardiac rehab.
Phase two: Sub-acute
Once the patient has been released from the hospital, the rehab continues at an outpatient center for as long as six weeks. During this phase, monitoring of the response to exercise and activities takes place. The patient is introduced to the proper exercise routines and taught self-monitoring of the heart rate and levels of exertion during the exercise routine.
Phase Three: Intensive outpatient rehab
By this time the patient can monitor his own heart rate, understand the symptomatic response to exercising and rating of perceived exertion. Phase three usually takes place as a group activity; however, a physical therapist will be in attendance to help in increasing the patient’s tolerance to exercise and to watch for any negative changes that may be occurring. It is during phase three of therapy management programs that unique programs are developed including exercises for flexibility, strength and aerobics.
Phase four: Independence
The final phase is when the patient can take full control of his ongoing conditioning. The first three phases will have brought the cardiac sufferer to a point where he will have in-depth knowledge about his condition, risk factors and strategies to avoid a recurrence.
Therapy management programs are comprised of ways to meet the changing needs of their customers and their resident. Contact Functional Pathways to find out how their services can help you succeed.
