Rapides Health and Lifestyle Center opened on the medical campus of Rapides Regional Medical Center in June 2002 and houses three programs -- Rapides Cardiac Rehab, Rapides Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center, and a fitness center leased to the local YMCA.

The $1.7 million health complex, located at 724 Scott Street behind Rapides Cancer Center in downtown Alexandria, is designed to meet the wellness needs of a variety of consumers -- from the patient recovering from cardiovascular surgery, to the student undergoing rehabilitation for sports injuries, to patients needing physical therapy on an outpatient basis.

The new center with 23,930 square feet of space provides educational classrooms and a dedicated workout area for Rapides Cardiac Rehab, which in 1982, was the first cardiac rehabilitation program in central Louisiana and the only local facility of its kind to receive certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

The open environment and state-of-the-art equipment provides the atmosphere and technology needed to give patients the maximum benefits of rehabilitation.

Rapides Cardiac Rehab serves approximately 150 patients with cardiovascular disease at any given time.

One of the many new highlights of the Rapides Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center is the SwimEx, a 7-foot deep, indoor pool measuring 10 feet by six feet. The SwimEx provides progressive water resistance up to 6.5 miles per hour.

The current creates a consistent wall of water, which allows patients with orthopedic injuries to safely simulate exercise activities without sudden jarring motion experienced by jet streams.

Ten treatment rooms and a private gym area are other features of RPT&SM, which offers treatment for back/cervical pain, strokes, TMJ/headaches and sports injuries. The center also performs pre-employment screenings.

Aside from new equipment throughout Rapides Health and Lifestyle Center, the facility offers men and women separate wet areas, which include large locker rooms, whirlpools and saunas.

A parking area dedicated to visitors and patients of the facility is located adjacent to the building.

For more information on the Rapides Health and Lifestyle Center, call 473-3135.

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