Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Why Cardiovascular Physiotherapy Matters for Heart and Lung Health
Cardiovascular physiotherapy helps the heart, lungs and muscles work better together.
The heart pumps blood, while the lungs provide oxygen for the body.
Physiotherapists use safe exercises to improve strength, breathing and stamina.
This can help people recover after heart surgery or other serious illnesses.
Surgery can make breathing and movement painful or difficult for a while.
A therapist teaches patients which exercises are safe at each stage of recovery.
Some people are afraid that exercise will hurt their heart, so education and supervision are important.
Success may simply mean walking or doing daily activities without becoming breathless.
Dr Shraddha Patel says heart and lung fitness matters even before a person becomes sick.
Cardiovascular and pulmonary physiotherapy supports heart function, lung capacity, endurance and overall physical activity.
Dr Shraddha Patel says rehabilitation after heart surgery may address cardiac strength, breathing, chest movement and upper-body strength.
Patients with cardiovascular conditions need personalised exercise plans suited to their medical condition and recovery stage.
Supervised rehabilitation and clear explanations can reduce fear of exercise after cardiac events or surgery.
Cardiovascular assessment may also benefit people treated for muscular problems or stroke, not only those with heart or lung disease.
- Who
- Dr Shraddha Patel, a cardiovascular and pulmonary physiotherapist, discussed the role of cardiovascular physiotherapy.
- What
- The interview explained how specialised physiotherapy can improve heart and lung function, endurance, breathing and recovery.
- When
- The article does not provide a publication date; Patel refers to changes she has observed over the past seven to eight years.
- Where
- The discussion appeared in an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal.
- Why
- Cardiovascular physiotherapy helps people recover after cardiac procedures, manage reduced physical capacity and support heart and lung fitness before or during illness.
- Specialist
- Dr Shraddha Patel, a cardiovascular and pulmonary physiotherapist with three years of experience.
- Main focus
- Heart function, lung capacity, endurance, breathing and physical capacity.
- Post-surgery role
- Rehabilitation can address chest movement, cardiac strength, lung capacity and upper-body strength.
- Exercise approach
- Patients with cardiovascular conditions require personalised protocols rather than one-size-fits-all exercise.
- Patient concern
- Fear of movement or deep breathing can become a barrier after cardiac surgery or an event.
- Treatment goal
- Help patients perform everyday activities, including walking and breathing, without undue breathlessness.
- Broader assessment
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary systems may also need assessment in patients with muscular problems or stroke.