exercise therapy

 

Peripheral artery disease also known as PAD, is a common disease associated with the narrowing of peripheral arteries due to a build up in fatty deposits which causes a decrease in circulation in the legs, stomach, arms, and head but most commonly in the legs. Advance Physical Therapy located in Wantagh, Valley Stream, Lindenhurst, and Astoria has experienced physical therapists who have worked with many patients suffering from PAD.

Our physical therapists at Advance Physical Therapy of Lindenhurst, Valley Stream, Wantagh, and Astoria have found that most patients suffering from PAD have very similar symptoms. Typically these symptoms are involving the lower extremities

  • Cramping
  • Pain
  • Tiredness
  • Foot or toe wounds that won’t heal or heal very slowly
  • Gangrene
  • Decrease in temperature of the lower leg
  • Poor nail growth on the toes or hair growth on the legs
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Redness in feet or toes

The first step to helping your PAD symptoms is correctly diagnosing your PAD with a physical examination. Once this is complete Advance Physical Therapy can begin to introduce you to your own individualized exercise plan. Physical Therapy and exercise therapy has been shown to highly reduce pain associated with PAD. Exercise increases circulation, which in turn will reduce pain. Traditionally the exercise program begins with increasing intervals of treadmill walking while the patient is supervised. The key factor to exercising to help with PAD is that it is monitored and performed correctly. The purpose of this is so the patient is properly warming up and cooling down, along with the proper amount of conditioning throughout the week. Once the patients is able to build up a tolerance to the walking activity new activity and exercises can then be added to the program.

Our physical therapists at Advance Physical Therapy stress the fact that PAD can be easily helped with simple lifestyle changes. Some of these lifestyle changes are

  • Increasing Physical Activity
  • Healthy Diet
  • Smoking Cessation Medication
  • Managing Diabetes
  • Procedures

With these simple changes, it is possible for a patient suffering from PAD to see significant positive results. If you are suffering from peripheral artery disease exercise therapy can alleviate pain greatly. Come down to Advance Physical Therapy of Astoria, Wantagh, Lindenhurst, and Valley Stream to begin your PAD exercise therapy treatment today!