Vascular rehab for peripheral artery disease (PAD)
The Vascular Rehab Program at UC Davis Heart and Vascular Center is a collaboration with our Cardiac Rehab program. We specialize in easing leg pain in people affected by peripheral artery disease (PAD). We help you stay active and living life on your terms.
What is peripheral artery disease (PAD)?
Peripheral arterial disease causes fatty or cholesterol plaque deposits to build up in the peripheral arteries. These arteries circulate blood from your heart to your legs, arms, stomach and head.
PAD mostly affects the legs and feet. Plaque buildup narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow to the lower part of your body. You may have pain or cramping while walking or climbing stairs. This pain often improves when you rest.
People with PAD are more at risk for heart attack and stroke. In addition, reduced blood flow to the legs and feet can lead to painful conditions like claudication and critical limb ischemia (CLI). Proper treatment can prevent these serious complications.
Vascular rehab at UC Davis
We offer comprehensive services to relieve PAD symptoms, including pain. We also help you get moving again.
You also benefit from:
- Dedicated team of vascular experts: Your rehab care team includes vascular doctors, cardiologists, exercise physiologists, registered dietitians, and health and behavior psychologists. They also tap the expertise of other UC Davis specialists, such as endocrinologists (diabetes specialists), to ensure you’re getting complete care.
- Personalized care: We customize a rehab plan that addresses the severity of your PAD symptoms and your overall health. We focus on minimizing leg pain and returning you to an active, healthier lifestyle.
- Walking program: Our exercise physiologists help you build stamina and lower body strength in our walking program. And we provide support after you complete it to help you stay active and manage PAD symptoms on your own.
Comprehensive cardiovascular services: At UC Davis Health, you have access to leading cardiovascular specialists. We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatments. Learn more about our cardiac services.
Vascular rehab educational programs
Conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, contribute to PAD. Smoking and stress can make symptoms worse. PAD also increases your risk of heart attack, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Your vascular rehab sessions include educational programs. Our experts help you make healthy lifestyle changes that improve your short- and long-term health. Program topics include:
- Healthy eating
- Medication management
- Physical activity
- Smoking cessation
- Stress reduction
- Wound care
Vascular rehab class schedule
Vascular rehab is a 12-week program. You need a referral from your vascular surgeon to participate.
We hold up to 90-minute exercise and education classes three days per week. You choose which days and times to attend. Your chosen classes will be your assigned sessions for the rest of the program.
We offer classes on:
- Mondays and Wednesdays (in person) at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays (in person) at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.
- Fridays (virtual classes) at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.
Classes take place at:
Lawrence J. Ellison Ambulatory Care Center
4860 Y Street, Suite 0214 (basement level)
Sacramento, CA 95817
COVID-19 safety information
We have modified the program to keep you safe from COVID-19. We enforce safe practices, including mandatory masks and social distancing. Please don’t attend in-person sessions if you have symptoms or don’t feel well.
Contact us
To connect with a specialist at UC Davis Vascular Rehab, please call 916-734-8407.