Physical Therapy and Controlling Blood Pressure
Physical Therapy and Controlling Blood Pressure
Physical therapists work their hardest to ensure you live life to the best of your ability when faced with pain or injury. Your vitals will help your physical therapist determine a correct evaluation of your condition or injury as well as determining the type and amount of care you need.
Fear not if you are one of the 75 million Americans dealing with high blood pressure as it can be controlled and prevented. It is advised to seek help from your primary care doctor as well as a physical therapist if you have high blood pressure. Your risk for high blood pressure increases as you get older. Exercise can make a big difference as it can help get your blood pressure under control if it is already high, but this does not necessarily mean you have to join a gym or run until your heart and lungs feel as if they are about to burst. As long as your routine involves keeping your muscles active, you do not need to go all out, especially if you are older.
Physical therapists create exercise routines that help target the problem you face. Each activity provided by a physical therapist is designed specifically for you. Regular physical activity makes your heart stronger (with less effort needed to pump your blood) and blood vessels more flexible. A stronger heart and more relaxed arteries require less work to pump blood throughout your body and lowers your blood pressure.
You can reduce your high blood pressure by becoming more physically active. Regular exercise is enough for many people to reduce the need for blood pressure medications completely. Exercising also helps in maintaining a healthy weight. It may not be ideal to drop 30 pounds in two weeks (although many of us would like to), but considering weight management will also help to reduce high blood pressure. We all want to stay as healthy as possible in order to live a happy and healthy life, so consider contacting a physical therapist so you do not have to take on the stress alone!
