Drake Center: Specialized Medical & Rehabilitative Care
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Rehabilitation
For the individual who has trouble walking any distance before needing to stop and rest due to pain in the legs, hips, or buttocks — or has been told by a doctor that he or she has leg blockages called peripheral arterial disease (PAD) — a comprehensive rehabilitation program may be the solution to improving walking ability and cardiovascular health.
A structured exercise plan with risk-factor modification — directed by Drake Center’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation team — can enable patients to achieve these goals:
- Improve overall walking ability and functional status.
- Reduce disability caused by walking impairment.
- Enhance knowledge of risk factors and how to modify them.
- Begin and maintain a regular exercise program and healthy lifestyle behaviors.
- Decrease the potential for the progression of peripheral arterial disease.
- Increase awareness of cardiovascular health and risk factors for heart disease.
How the process works
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Referral and evaluation process
A doctor’s order is needed to begin PAD rehabilitation at Drake Center. The individual is scheduled for an evaluation and orientation by members of the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation team. An individualized plan for the patient’s education and exercise conditioning is then developed.
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Program description
The initial exercise program consists of three months of supervised exercise sessions held each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The exercise program focuses primarily on treadmill walking, with the goal of improving overall walking distance and ability. Other modes of exercise are used to increase overall body endurance and strength. After the first three months, then the patient has the option of continuing in the maintenance exercise program. Risk-factor education classes are also scheduled.
Other services
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Smoking cessation program
- Diagnostic testing (arterial blood gases, electrocardiograms, pulmonary function testing, overnight oximetry, exercise oximetry, and Holter monitoring; laboratory and radiology services also available)
- Community fitness program
Call for more information
For more information on Drake Center's peripheral arterial disease rehabilitation or to schedule an appointment, please call:
Local: 513-418-5867
Long-distance (toll-free):