Link Between Physical Activity and Heart Health
When you are forced to take a break from physical activity due to injury or bodily trauma, it can take a toll on your health in a variety of ways. The main way that physical therapy helps minimize cardiovascular disease is by providing stretch and strengthening exercises that help patients regain their strength and coordination so they can return to physical activity. Even small roadblocks on the road to physical activity can have a negative impact on heart health and eventually lead to cardiovascular disease. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that substantial health benefits can be reached through physical activity of a moderate level for at least 150 minutes a week, or vigorous levels of physical activity for at least 75 minutes a week.
Exercise and physical activity strengthen your heart much in the same way it strengthens other muscles in the body. The more you exercise, the more efficient your heart becomes and the more effectively it can pump blood throughout your body. Regular exercise allows your body’s tissue to take oxygen away from the blood more effectively, which enables your heart to work better under pressure. Another benefit of physical activity is that it allows for better blood flow in the small blood vessels around the heart. It also increases the levels of HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol that decreases your risk of heart disease by flushing bad cholesterol out of the system. Additional benefits that physical activity has for your heart include:
- Weight management
- Mood stabilization
- Reduced risk of osteoporosis
- Increased energy levels
- Elevated mood
- Reduced risk of certain types of cancer
- Healthier sleep patterns
Does Physical Therapy Make You Stronger?
If you are wondering if physical therapy could be your solution to muscle weakness and inability to exercise, the answer is yes! There are many exercises that a physical therapist can recommend in order to get you and your heart feeling stronger. The primary approach of a physical therapist will be to help you regain your strength and become active again, so if you have been experiencing difficulty in these areas, you could benefit from strength and conditioning therapy at ProFysio Physical Therapy. Patients seek this form of physical therapy to help them reach their fitness goals or to correct an ongoing physical issue. There are all sorts of reasons to seek physical therapy, but many patients we work with are struggling with musculoskeletal issues regarding their muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones. It is important to remember, though, that physical therapy is not for everyone. If you are having sharp pains that grow worse with movement, we might need to take some additional steps before you will be ready for our strength and conditioning program. If we determine that physical therapy is right for you, we will create a customized exercise plan for you, with a variety of exercises, hands-on therapies, and exercises. This personalized plan can make you healthier and stronger in the following ways:
- Receiving the correct diagnosis for full understanding of condition
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 20.4% (50 million) of U.S. adults deal with chronic pain and 8% of adults deal with high-impact chronic pain. Sadly, too many adults just set this issue aside because they do not know what is wrong, nor do they feel like they have the power to fix it. At the physical therapist’s office, you can receive a diagnosis for your pain, which can be a tremendous first step on the path of healing.
- Receiving an individualized treatment plan
No two injuries or body pains are alike, so no two treatment approaches should be exactly alike either. If you attempt to solve the issue by doing your own research, you could end up with an even worse injury, even if you use the same method as someone else who had a similar issue. We understand that each patient has a unique medical history, physical capabilities, and personal goals, so we will keep all of that in mind when developing your treatment plan.
- Promoting a healthy lifestyle
Most of the time, when patients see a physical therapist or follow our treatment regimens, they naturally become more mindful of their health. This is largely due to the fact that physical therapy promotes wellness and teaches proper exercise. When you start taking active steps that feel great for your body, you are more likely to be proactive about your health in other areas.
- Physical therapy prevents harmful symptoms from progressing.
Not only can physical therapy keep your symptoms from progressing, but it can actually stop your symptoms in their tracks. Without the proper care your body needs, the condition or injury you are struggling with will often get worse. The strength and conditioning you receive along with other physical therapy treatments will keep your body strong, your heart healthy, and prevent you from experiencing unnecessary pain.
To learn more about the benefits of physical therapy and find out how our treatments can help you, call ProFysio Physical Therapy at (732) 812-5200 or contact us online.