Why Cardiac Rehabilitation Matters
Individuals who have experienced a recent cardiac event, heart attack, or cardiac surgery are strongly recommended to attend a structured cardiac rehabilitation programme. Research shows that cardiac rehab significantly reduces the risk of future heart events, lowers hospital readmission rates, and slows the progression of heart disease.

Cardiac Rehab at Ascend Health
At Ascend Health ur clinical exercise physiologists provide expertly monitored exercise rehabilitation for heart disease and cardiovascular conditions. Each programme is individually tailored to your medical history, fitness level, and recovery goals. We work closely with you to ensure your exercise plan is safe, effective, and aligned with your long-term heart health.

Benefits of Exercise for Heart Health
Attending a structured cardiac rehabilitation programme in Auckland or online across NZ provides proven benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of death in people living with heart disease

• Lower rates of recurrent heart attacks and re-hospitalisations

• Fewer symptoms such as angina, shortness of breath, and fatigue

• Improved cholesterol, blood pressure, and cardiovascular fitness

• Enhanced exercise tolerance and overall energy levels

• Better quality of life and increased independence

• Greater ability to return to work, sports, and leisure activities

Personalised, Safe & Supportive Recovery
Cardiac rehabilitation at Ascend Health goes beyond exercise, it’s about giving you the confidence and tools to manage your condition long term. Our heart rehabilitation programmes are safe, supportive, and designed to help you return to the things you love, while reducing your risk of future heart events.

POTS Treatment & Exercise Programmes in Auckland and across New Zealand

Understanding POTS and Dysautonomia
At Ascend Health, we understand that Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and other forms of dysautonomia can be incredibly challenging for both patients and their families. Symptoms are often complex and varied, and may include:

• Exercise intolerance

• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Chest pain and palpitations

• Fatigue and nausea

These symptoms can significantly affect daily activities, school, work, and overall quality of life.

Exercise and POTS Management
The treatment of POTS is multidisciplinary, involving both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Research shows that exercise therapy is a key part of POTS treatment, but exercising with dysautonomia requires an individualised, carefully monitored approach.

At Ascend Health, our clinical exercise physiologists provide:

1. Comprehensive assessments to understand your symptoms and limitations

2. Tailored, evidence-based exercise programmes designed specifically for POTS and dysautonomia

3. Supervised rehabilitation to ensure safety and gradual progression

4. Ongoing guidance and support to help you manage your condition confidently

Benefits of Exercise for POTS and Dysautonomia
Research shows that structured, personalised exercise rehabilitation results in

• Reduction in symptom severity

• Increased exercise tolerance and stamina

• Improved ability to perform daily activities

• Enhanced quality of life for many patients

Why Choose Ascend Health?
We specialise in helping people with POTS and dysautonomia in Auckland and across New Zealand regain control of their health through safe, structured, and supportive exercise rehabilitation programmes.

Exercise for each stage of the cancer continuum

At Ascend Health, we provide personalised and supervised exercise programmes for patients across the cancer continuum. We see patients who are currently undergoing/receiving active treatment and those who have recently completed their treatment cycle.

Whilst advances in cancer detection and treatment mean that more people are surviving their cancer diagnosis many are left with lingering treatment side-effects which impact their health and quality of life.

Our team at Ascend Health see firsthand the value exercise can have for managing cancer-related treatment side effects when delivered in the right way.  Our clinical exercise physiologists specialise in oncology rehabilitation, conducting detailed assessments and delivering safe, personalised exercise plans to help you manage symptoms, rebuild strength, and regain confidence.

Benefits of exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment

• Reduces feelings of fatigue and improves energy levels

• Reduces treatment related side-effects

• Improves health related quality of life and mood

• Improves muscle mass, muscular strength and bone health

• Reduces the risk of some cancers reoccurring, including breast, prostate and bowel cancer

Ascend Health, plays a crucial role in helping patients manage their diabetes through customised exercise programmes. Research shows that regular physical activity is vital for diabetes management as it improves insulin sensitivity, aids in blood glucose control, and assists in weight management.

At Ascend Health, our staff develop personalised exercise plans tailored to each patient's needs and health goals. These programmes not only help control blood sugar levels but also reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, enhancing overall health and well-being. By promoting a proactive approach to diabetes care, Ascend Health empowers patients to lead healthier, more active lives.

Benefits of exercise for diabetes management

• Improved Blood Glucose Control: Regular physical activity helps lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to use insulin more effectively.

• Weight Management: Exercise aids in weight loss and helps maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for managing diabetes and reducing insulin resistance.

• Reduced Risk of Complications: Consistent exercise can lower the risk of diabetes-related complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and kidney disease.

• Improved Cardiovascular Health: Physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are common complications of diabetes.

• Improved Muscle Strength and Joint Health: Strength training exercises help build muscle mass and maintain joint flexibility, which is beneficial for overall mobility and physical function.

Exercise for Arthritis

Ascend Health offers essential support for patients living with arthritis through the delivery of specialised and tailored exercise programmes. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for managing arthritis. Exercise helps reduce pain, improves joint flexibility, and increases muscle strength, which supports and stabilises the joints.

The expert team at Ascend Health designs individualised exercise plans that cater to the specific needs and limitations of their patients, focusing on low-impact activities that enhance mobility and overall function. By incorporating regular, supervised physical activity, Ascend Health helps patients manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and maintain their independence.

Pre-operative rehabilitation

Exercising before joint replacement surgery, often referred to as "prehab," can be beneficial in several ways. It helps strengthen the muscles around the joint, improves range of motion, enhances overall physical fitness and can also potentially shorten recovery time after surgery and improving post-surgical mobility.

Post-operative rehabilitation

Post-operative rehabilitation Ascend Health is crucial for aiding recovery after joint replacement surgery. The clinic offers personalised rehabilitation programmes designed to restore mobility, rebuild strength, and promote healing in the affected joint. Through supervised exercises and targeted therapies, patients can regain functional independence, manage pain effectively, and achieve long-term joint health.

Ascend Health's expert team of clinical exercise physiologists ensures that each rehabilitation plan is tailored to the patient's specific needs, facilitating a smoother recovery process and improving overall quality of life.

Ascend Health offers tailored arthritis exercise programmes, prehab before joint replacement, and post-op rehabilitation. Regain strength, reduce pain, and improve mobility today.

Ascend Health, provides valuable support for patients dealing with depression and anxiety through structured exercise programs. Research consistently shows that regular physical activity can significantly improve mood, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance overall mental well-being.

Ascend Health's approach involves personalised exercise regimens that cater to individual needs and preferences, aiming to boost endorphin levels, reduce stress hormones, and improve sleep quality. By integrating exercise into treatment plans, Ascend Health empowers patients to manage their mental health more effectively, leading to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Benefits of exercise on mental health

• Neurochemical Effects: Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that help improve mood and reduce stress.

• Reduced Cortisol Levels: Exercise helps lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, thereby alleviating symptoms of anxiety.

• Distraction and Focus: Engaging in physical activity provides a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and promotes a focused mind, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.

• Improved Sleep: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in individuals with anxiety and depression.

• Enhanced Self-esteem: Achieving fitness goals and improving physical health through exercise can boost self-esteem and confidence, contributing to a more positive outlook.

• Social Interaction: Participating in group exercise or sports can provide social support and reduce feelings of isolation, which is beneficial for mental health.