Exercise programming/rehabilitation

Educate the patient on lifestyle modifications such as salt restriction (maximum 2 to 4 grams per day), fluid restriction if appropriate, limitation of alcohol, tobacco cessation, participation in a cardiac rehabilitation and exercise program, and proper immunizations such as the pneumococcal vaccine and yearly influenza vaccine. 

In addition, viral infections may produce pain and other symptoms that can be treated by physical rehabilitation. In particular, chronic HIV infection and the drug therapy for this disorder can both produce neuromuscular problems such as myopathy and peripheral neuropathy.63,83 Neuromuscular impairments can occur at any stage in the disease process, but they become especially problematic in advanced cases of HIV infection, or when this disease progresses to AIDS.7,63 Hence, therapists can use various physical agents to help decrease pain, and likewise implement aerobic and resistive exercise programs to help maintain muscle strength and function.68 These interventions can be invaluable in helping maintain quality-of-life in people with HIV infection and AIDS. 

During the cardiac rehabilitation sessions, the therapist periodically monitored heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG. No significant episodes of arrhythmias were noted, and the patient progressed rapidly through the program. He was eventually discharged from the formal program with instructions of how to continue his rehabilitation exercises at home and at a local health club. 

Gardner AW, Phoelman ET. Exercise rehabilitation programs for the treatment of claudication pain a meta-analysis. JAMA 1995 274 975-980. 

The rehabilitation program is an important part of ACL reconstructive surgery and has mostly taken a standard form since Shelbourne s publication. The graft should be protected by closed chain exercises in the early... 

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