Peripheral artery disease (PAD) rehabilitation

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a narrowing or blockage in the arteries of the legs. The uncomfortable symptoms of PAD may disrupt your day-to-day activities. These symptoms, known as claudication, include pain, aching, cramping, fatigue or numbness in your legs when you walk.

Our PAD rehabilitation team at Advocate Heart Institute is committed to providing you with support and guidance to help improve your quality of life and get you back to being you.

What is peripheral artery disease rehab?

As part of your PAD rehabilitation plan, you’ll participate in a treadmill walking program for at least 30 minutes three or more days a week. This helps you establish a consistent walking routine. Exercise is the top recommendation from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology to manage PAD symptoms.

Our PAD rehabilitation program includes:

• An initial screening meeting where we review your medical history, risk factors and blood pressure
• Supervised exercise sessions where you’ll walk on a treadmill
• Support and education to help you modify any risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and stress

Getting started with peripheral artery disease rehab

Your primary care physician, cardiologist or vascular specialist may refer you to PAD rehab if you have peripheral artery disease with claudication symptoms. Typically, most insurance plans cover PAD rehab.

How long is the PAD rehab program?

Most patients participate in one-hour group exercise sessions two to three days per week for up to 12 weeks.