The Bellevue Hospital now offers Supervised Exercise Therapy (S.E.T.) for individuals diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.)
S.E.T. for P.A.D. is a physician referred exercise and education program which primarily includes walking exercises designed to help individuals walk longer without leg pain.
P.A.D. develops when the arteries in the extremities, particularly the legs, become narrow or clogged from plaque build-up, restricting the blood flow to supporting muscles. Cramping, or claudication, is commonly felt when blood flow is being restricted and usually occurs while an individual is walking or participating in other physical activities.
Symptoms of P.A.D. may include:
- Coldness in the feet
- Limb weakness
- Thinning of hair or complete hair loss on the legs and feet
- Discoloration of the legs and feet
With medication management, a healthy diet and a regular exercise program, individuals may be able to manage their P.A.D. and improve their quality of life.
The Bellevue Hospital’s S.E.T. for P.A.D. program includes weekly exercise sessions which will occur three days per week, for up to a maximum of 12 weeks. Each session will last approximately one hour. The sessions include intermittent rest breaks and education about P.A.D. risk factors, nutrition and smoking cessation if needed.
The S.E.T. for P.A.D. program is supervised under the medical direction of a physician and is staffed by experienced registered nurses, respiratory therapists and a dietician.
After a patient completes the S.E.T. for P.A.D. program, our staff will help customize an exercise program for each individual that they can continue at home for further health improvement. Participating in a S.E.T. program and continuing with regular at-home exercise may help decrease an individual’s chances of a heart attack, stroke or limb loss.
Individuals will need a physician refferal for the S.E.T. for P.A.D. program. The program is reimbursed for Medicare, however those with private insurance plans should contact their primary insurance provided prior to the first appointment to discuss coverage.
For more information, contact The Bellevue Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at 419.483.4040, Ext. 4303.