The Sconi

Aspirus Keweenaw has introduced a new Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) Rehabilitation Program. This outpatient program aims to provide comprehensive care for individuals with P.A.D., a condition characterized by narrowed arteries that restrict blood flow to the muscles, often causing muscle aches and slow-healing foot sores.

The program is designed to help patients improve their walking ability, perform daily activities more effectively, and manage symptoms associated with P.A.D. "We’re excited to offer this specialized rehabilitation program to our community," said Andrew Meverden, Team Lead, Exercise Physiologist at Aspirus Keweenaw. "Peripheral Artery Disease can severely impact a person’s mobility and daily life, but through tailored exercise and education, we can help people regain their independence, improve their health, and slow the progression of the disease."

Participants in the program will follow individualized exercise plans monitored by skilled professionals. The exercises include treadmill workouts and activities using equipment such as leg ergometers, ellipticals, Nustep recumbent bikes, arm ergometers, dumbbells, and Therabands. The program offers up to 36 sessions held three times per week.

The key goals of the program are to enhance walking ability and daily living activities while promoting lifestyle changes that may slow down the progression of P.A.D. In addition to physical exercises, participants will have access to classroom education on nutrition, risk factors, exercise strategies, weight loss techniques, stress management, relaxation techniques, and individualized education on P.A.D.

The P.A.D. Rehabilitation Program is available at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital and Aspirus Houghton Clinic. For further details about the program or enrollment information, individuals are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or cardiologist or call 906.337.6528.