Physical therapists play a critical role in helping patients improve their physical health, but there’s a crucial aspect that often goes overlooked – monitoring blood pressure before and, just as importantly, after exercise. While it’s common practice to check a patient’s blood pressure before therapeutic exercise, monitoring it afterward is equally vital in identifying uncontrolled blood pressure.
In this blog article, we will explore the significance of assessing blood pressure after exercise and why it can be a lifesaver for patients.
Identifying Uncontrolled Blood Pressure Issues
When physical therapists assess a patient’s blood pressure before exercise, they are primarily looking for contraindications or potential risks that could be aggravated by physical activity.
However, the importance of monitoring blood pressure after exercise cannot be overstated. After a strenuous workout or physical therapy session, blood pressure may spike, particularly in patients who were previously undiagnosed with hypertension.
Early Detection of Potentially Deadly Conditions
Undiagnosed high blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the “silent killer” because it can exist without any obvious symptoms until a major health crisis occurs. By measuring blood pressure after exercise, physical therapists have a golden opportunity to identify patients at risk.
In such cases, elevated post-exercise blood pressure readings could indicate an underlying issue, and early detection can save lives.
Providing Patients with Critical Insights
Patients who are unaware of their hypertension or uncontrolled blood pressure might not understand the gravity of their condition.
By measuring their blood pressure after exercise, physical therapists can give patients important insights into the immediate impact of physical activity on their cardiovascular system.
This can motivate them to seek medical attention and take necessary steps to manage their blood pressure, such as medication, lifestyle changes, or dietary adjustments.
Ensuring Patient Safety
Needless to say, patient safety is paramount in physical therapy. Failing to assess blood pressure after exercise could put individuals with undiagnosed hypertension at risk of experiencing a hypertensive crisis, which can have severe consequences, including stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage.
Monitoring post-exercise blood pressure helps therapists ensure that their interventions are safe and appropriate for each patient.
Conclusion
Physical therapists play a pivotal role in the well-being of their patients, not only in helping them recover from injuries or manage chronic conditions but also in safeguarding their health during therapy sessions.
By assessing blood pressure both before and after exercise, therapists can identify uncontrolled hypertension, provide critical insights to patients, and, most importantly, ensure patient safety. Neglecting post-exercise blood pressure measurements could mean missing out on the opportunity to detect potentially deadly conditions and save lives.
Join us as we recognize the importance of a comprehensive approach to blood pressure assessment in physical therapy and prioritize the health and safety of our patients.
Did you find these clinical insights helpful? Let us know! Contact our PT Success Team at ptlighthouse@thejacksonclinics.com
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