THERAPIES

EXTERNAL COUNTERPULSATION THERAPY

Within the Wellness Center is an External Counterpulsation (ECP) machine designed to improve blood flow in diseased hearts wothout angiography, angioplasty, stents or open heart surgury. Persons with angina or congestive heart failure who recieves ECP Therapy can experience significant benefits in relief of symptoms, increased physical activity and improved quality of life.

WHAT IS ECP THERAPY?

ECP therapy is a clincally proven non-invasive treatment option available to patientswith angina or congestive heart failure (CHF). It is primarily used in patientsthat have been unresponsive to other therapies, in order to relieve discomfort and improve quality of life.

ECP therapy works to improve circulation to the heart muscle, increasing oxygen-rich bllod flow to the heart and reducing the heart's workload.

ECP therapy can help to build new pathways around blocked arteries in the heart by expanding networks of tiny collateral blood vessels that facilitate blood flow to the heart muscle.

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ECP TREATMENT?

ECP treatment is a simple and comfortable procedure. The patient relaxes on a comfortably padded mattress while trained nurse or therapist wraps the muscular areas of the patient's calves, thighs and buttocks with pneumatic cuffs, similar to blood pressure cuffs. Hoses connect the cuffs to an air pressure/vacuum pump enclosed within the bed base.

The patient will feel the sensation of a strong "hug" moving upward from the calves to the thighs to the buttocks as the cuffs inflate and deflate. Each cycle is electronically syncronized with individual heatbeats. The patient can relax and talk to visitors, watch TV or a video, listent to music, or even take a nap during the hour-long procedure.

A typical course of treatment requires 35 one-hour sessions administered once daily, five days a week, for seven weeks. Many patients report feeling improvements after as few as 10 treatment sessions.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ECP THERAPY?

ECP therapy has demonstrated success in over 80% of patients treated, with signnificant improvement in relief of angina, increased endurance and reduced dependence on medication.

It has been shown to reduce or eliminate the frequency and intensity of angina, ultimately allowing patients to experience an improved quality of life and increased exercise tolerance.

HealthQuest Institute & Wellness Center, Inc.
3560 Cardinal Point Dr. Suite 102
Jacksonville, FL 32257
Phone: 904-733-4577 | 904-296-1116

Fax: 904-733-4506