The role of a physical therapist in Waon therapy for chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Abstract

Recently, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has a tendency to increase due to increasing life style related disease, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Peripheral artery disease is one of the ASCVD and is a part of systemic atherosclerotic lesion. The frequency of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CTLI) which is severe condition of lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) is increasing. LEAD is treated by exercise therapy, medication, revascularization, and comprehensive treatment, however, the treatment for CTLI is difficult and some cases need to lower limb amputation. And it has been reported that the case with lower limb amputation has a poor prognosis. So, it is important to avoid lower limb amputation. In our institute, physical therapist actively performs Waon Therapy for CTLI patients. I introduce the role of physical therapist for Waon Therapy with some case presentations.