Cardiac Surgery

Cardiac Surgery Rehabilitation Physiotherapy in Singapore

Cardiac surgery refers to surgical procedures performed on the heart or major blood vessels to treat serious heart conditions. These operations are carried out by specialised cardiac surgeons and aim to restore normal heart function, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of future complications.

Recovery after heart surgery requires careful rehabilitation and gradual return to activity. Physiotherapy plays a vital role both before and after cardiac surgery, helping individuals rebuild strength, improve cardiovascular endurance, and safely return to daily activities.

At ACE PHYSIO SPORTS, located on East Coast Road in Singapore, our experienced physiotherapists provide structured cardiac rehabilitation physiotherapy programmes designed to support safe recovery, restore physical capacity, and improve overall quality of life.

Why Might I Need Cardiac Surgery?

Cardiac surgery may be recommended when medications or lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient to manage a heart condition.

Your doctor may suggest surgery if you have conditions such as:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Heart valve disorders
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow)
• Heart failure

Surgical treatment aims to restore healthy blood flow, improve heart function, and prevent life-threatening complications.

Types of Cardiac Surgery

The type of cardiac surgery performed depends on the patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, and overall health. Some of the most common procedures include:

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

A procedure that creates a new pathway for blood to flow around blocked coronary arteries.

Coronary Angioplasty and Stent Placement

A minimally invasive procedure that widens narrowed arteries using a balloon and places a stent to keep the artery open.

Heart Valve Repair or Replacement

Surgery to repair or replace damaged heart valves that affect blood flow within the heart.

Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Devices implanted to regulate abnormal heart rhythms.

Heart Transplant

A procedure where a damaged heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart in severe cases of heart failure.

Each of these procedures plays a crucial role in restoring heart function and improving long-term survival.

Physiotherapy After Cardiac Surgery

Physiotherapy is an essential part of cardiac rehabilitation, helping patients safely regain strength, endurance, and confidence after surgery.

During your hospital stay, a specialist cardiac rehabilitation team will guide your early recovery by introducing gentle movement and breathing exercises.

Once discharged from hospital, structured physiotherapy becomes even more important to support your long-term recovery.

At ACE PHYSIO SPORTS, our physiotherapists perform a comprehensive assessment of:

• Muscle strength
• Cardiovascular endurance
• Balance and mobility
• Walking ability
• Exercise tolerance
• Functional independence

Based on this assessment, a personalised rehabilitation programme is created with clear short-term and long-term goals.

Examples of recovery goals may include:

• Climbing stairs comfortably within one week
• Walking longer distances within several weeks
• Returning to light recreational exercise

Physiotherapy Treatment After Cardiac Surgery

Your rehabilitation programme may include a combination of therapeutic strategies designed to improve cardiovascular health and functional capacity.

Treatment may include:

Preventing Post-Surgical Complications

Physiotherapy helps reduce the risk of complications such as chest infections, breathing difficulties, and reduced mobility.

Restoring Mobility and Independence

Exercises and movement training help patients regain the ability to perform everyday activities safely.

Improving Cardiovascular Endurance

Gradual cardiovascular exercises improve heart and lung function.

Strength and Flexibility Training

Targeted exercises improve muscle strength, joint mobility, and posture.

Symptom Management

Physiotherapists help manage symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, or chest discomfort during activity.

Lifestyle and Weight Management

Patients receive guidance on healthy lifestyle habits to support long-term heart health.

Home Exercise Programme

After cardiac surgery, maintaining regular physical activity is essential for recovery.

Your physiotherapist may recommend a home exercise programme that includes:

• Walking programmes
• Gentle jogging (when appropriate)
• Swimming or low-impact aerobic exercise
• Stretching exercises
• Balance training

You will also be taught how to perform safe warm-up and cool-down routines, which are essential for protecting your heart during exercise.

In some cases, mobility aids such as walking sticks, stair rails, or walkers may be recommended to improve safety during daily activities.

Family members or caregivers may also receive guidance on how to support the patient’s recovery.

Benefits of Physiotherapy After Cardiac Surgery

Cardiac rehabilitation physiotherapy offers many benefits for individuals recovering from heart surgery.

Key benefits include:

• Faster return to independence
• Improved muscle strength and flexibility
• Enhanced cardiovascular fitness
• Better exercise tolerance
• Reduced risk of future cardiac events
• Increased confidence in physical activity
• Safe return to gym or recreational exercise

With consistent physiotherapy, many patients experience significant improvements in mobility, endurance, and overall wellbeing.

Cardiac Rehabilitation at ACE PHYSIO SPORTS

Returning to exercise after heart surgery can feel overwhelming, but expert guidance can make the recovery process safe and effective.

At ACE PHYSIO SPORTS, our physiotherapists specialise in cardiac rehabilitation and post-surgical physiotherapy, helping patients gradually rebuild strength and confidence.

We provide:

• One-to-one physiotherapy sessions
• Personalised exercise programmes
• Rehabilitation at home, in our clinic, or in a gym setting
• Experienced physiotherapists trained in cardiac rehabilitation
• Structured recovery plans with clear progress goals
• Access to safe rehabilitation equipment

Our clinic is conveniently located on East Coast Road, Singapore, serving patients from Katong, Marine Parade, and surrounding areas.

Our goal is to help you return to an active lifestyle while reducing the risk of future heart problems.

To arrange a physiotherapy appointment:

📞 Call +65 81535374 📧 Email admin@acephysiosport.com 🌐 Visit acephysiosport.com