PAV

What is peripheral arterial arterial disease?

Peripheral arterial disease, also known as etal legs, involves a narrowing in the arteries leading to the leg muscles. At rest, the muscles can still be supplied with sufficient blood and thus oxygen, but on exertion there is a shortage. The muscles then demand more oxygen than the artery can allow through the narrowing. This leads to convulsive pain or numbness on exertion. This pain often occurs in the calves, but can also occur in the upper legs or glutes. After resting, the pain disappears. Patients try to mask the pain from others by, for example, standing still in front of a shop window. This gives the legs a rest and the pain recedes. This is why the condition is also known as etalage legs.

The narrowing in the arteries is caused by arteriosclerosis that is not limited to the arteries in the legs. Arteriosclerosis is a slow process of accumulation of platelets, blood cells and cholesterol in the vessel wall. This causes the vessel wall to become narrower and more rigid. Due to the gradual course of arteriosclerosis, most people do not suffer from it until later in life.

It is estimated that 3% of people over 55 suffer from this condition and 14% of people over 70. Factors that increase the risk of peripheral arterial disease and make the condition worse faster are smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, diabetes and obesity. Smoking is by far the biggest risk factor. More than 25% of the total risk can be attributed to smoking.

peripheral arterial vascular disease

Physiotherapy and exercise therapy for peripheral arterial disease has been reimbursed under the basic health insurance since 2017 (for a diagnosis of intermittent claudication, stage fontaine 2). A maximum of 37 treatments are reimbursed within a course of 12 consecutive calendar months. A referral from the GP or specialist is always needed to get physiotherapy or remedial therapy reimbursed.

Many health insurers apply a selective purchasing policy for supervised walking therapy and lifestyle guidance. The course is then reimbursed only if it is given by a Chronic CareNet therapist specialised in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease.

If a patient has completed a previous course of supervised walking therapy and lifestyle counselling, it depends on the insurance company whether and under what conditions a second course is reimbursed. For more information, please contact the patient’s health insurer.

Own risk

Physio/exercise therapy treatments are reimbursed from the basic insurance. This means that the treatments are deducted from the patient’s excess. If more treatments are needed than a patient would be entitled to, it is possible to use reimbursements from the supplementary insurance with some health insurers.

Core Stability Training

What is Core Stability?

Core stability refers to the ability of the muscles around the trunk, pelvis and lower back to work together during movement and physical activity.

Good control of these muscles can be important for posture, balance and the efficient performance of movements during daily activities and sports.

Core Stability Training

Core Stability Training focuses on improving strength, coordination and control of the muscles around the trunk and pelvis.

The exercises are tailored to your individual level, physical capacity and personal goals. Depending on your situation, Core Stability Training may be used as part of physiotherapy, rehabilitation or sports training.

The physiotherapist will assess which exercises are appropriate for you and will gradually adjust the training according to your progress.

The effect of training may vary from person to person.

Fysiotherapie in Den Haag Centrum Buurtschap 2005

Physiotherapy The Hague Centre