Patient education refers to the knowledge health-care providers give to their patients. This knowledge usually provides an explanation of the patient's medical condition and tells him how to treat it. Increased patient education leads to better understanding on the part of the patient, helps the patient make informed decisions and increases the patient's willingness to comply with the treatment program. This education is used to improve patients' health and prevent health problems from arising. Often this education involves life changes such as special exercises depending.
Bleeding or Clotting Disorders
Doctors often provide patients who have bleeding or clotting disorders with education materials explaining the benefits of exercise. These materials likely will tell you that exercise is good for you and you should get 30 minutes of daily activity. The materials are also likely to encourage you to try exercises that increase your aerobic conditioning, strength, endurance and flexibility.
Cardiac Problems
After suffering cardiac trauma, such as a heart attack, your doctor will give you exercises to do at home. These exercises start with steps as simple as bending and straightening your arms. Your doctor will give you a pamphlet that describes each exercises and tells you when you can add more complicated exercises to your routine.
Arthritis
Patients who are struggling with arthritis might find it difficult or painful to be active. But, inactivity can lead to other health risks such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis as well ask weak muscles and stiff joints. Those who suffer from arthritis but exercise regularly experience less pain and have more energy. Your health care provider will probably recommend therapeutic exercises as the first home exercise step to treat your arthritis. After that she might recommend recreational or leisure activities such as walking, swimming or running. Your doctor will probably provide you with materials explaining what exercises are best and giving you other tips. Common arthritis materials include pamphlets on aquatic therapy and protecting your joints.
Leg Amputation
If you had your leg amputated, it is essential to follow a home exercise program. Patient education materials will advise you to frequently adjust your hip's position to prevent your hip from staying in a bent position. These materials will also provide you with some suggested stretches including hamstring stretch, hip flexor stretch and hip extensions, but you should only do the stretches your therapist recommends.
References
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Patient Education Materials
- American College of Rheumatology: Exercise and Arthritis
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Cardiac Rehab Home Exercises
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Exercise Basics
- Ohio State University Medical Center: Above Knee Amputee Exercise Program
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