Disclaimer: Cardiac rehabilitation should be coordinated with your cardiologist and GP. Never commence an exercise program after a cardiac event without medical clearance. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Exercise is one of the most powerful medicines available after a cardiac event. Cardiac rehabilitation exercise programs reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by approximately 20–25% — outcomes that rival pharmaceutical intervention. Yet cardiac rehab remains under-utilised in Australia.
The Evidence for Cardiac Rehabilitation
Decades of high-quality research confirm that comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation produces significant improvements in:
- Cardiovascular mortality (reduced by ~20%)
- Hospital readmission rates
- Exercise capacity and quality of life
- Psychological outcomes — depression and anxiety are extremely common after cardiac events
- Return to work and normal activity
- Cardiovascular risk factor control (blood pressure, lipids, glucose)
Phases of Cardiac Rehabilitation
Phase 1 (In-hospital): Early mobilisation after cardiac event or surgery. Physiotherapists supervise the first steps, breathing exercises after sternotomy, and safe ambulation before discharge.
Phase 2 (Outpatient, formal rehab): The core 6–12 week supervised exercise program, typically at a hospital or community health centre. Aerobic and resistance training, education sessions, and risk factor management.
Phase 3 (Community maintenance): Ongoing exercise and lifestyle management, often transitioning to community exercise groups, gyms, or home programs. Physiotherapy can support this phase with ongoing exercise prescription and progression.
Sternotomy Rehabilitation
After coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) via sternotomy (opening the chest), physiotherapy addresses: chest wall pain and scar tissue management, breathing exercises to prevent atelectasis (lung collapse), safe progression of arm and upper body activity (with sternal precautions for the first 8–12 weeks), and posture correction from the protective posture adopted after chest surgery.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Support at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
We work with cardiologists and GPs to support Phase 3 cardiac rehabilitation and ongoing exercise prescription for cardiac patients in Bundoora and surrounds. GP referral and medical clearance required. Call (03) 9467 6900 to discuss your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who benefits from cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended for people who have experienced: myocardial infarction (heart attack), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (stenting), heart valve repair or replacement, heart failure, cardiac transplant, or stable angina. The evidence for benefit is strongest for these populations.
What does a physiotherapist do in cardiac rehab?
Physiotherapists supervise exercise sessions, monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms during exercise, design and progress individual exercise programs, teach safe exercise principles for home, manage musculoskeletal complications (eg sternotomy-related chest wall pain after bypass surgery), and progress activity from ward to community level.
How long does cardiac rehabilitation last?
Hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation programs typically last 6–12 weeks (Phase 2). After completing a formal program, most guidelines recommend lifelong maintenance of physical activity and participation in community exercise programs. A physiotherapist can design an ongoing home or gym program to maintain the gains from formal cardiac rehab.
Can I see a physiotherapist for cardiac rehab in Bundoora?
Yes. If you have completed a hospital-based cardiac rehab program and are looking for physiotherapy to support ongoing exercise progression, or if you need physiotherapy for musculoskeletal issues arising alongside your cardiac condition, we can help. A GP referral and medical clearance from your cardiologist are required. Medicare EPC plans apply.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora