**6. Lifestyle modifications and rehabilitation**

Early mobility with physical therapy remains a key to recovery in patients with LVADs. Physical therapy will work with these patients as soon as they are able to participate. Patients work with occupational therapy to ensure that they can perform their self-grooming and may demonstrate the ability to bathe prior to hospital discharge. Rarely, patients may perform well enough to not require discharge to rehabilitation. In patients with a prolonged recovery, cardiac rehabilitation plays a critical role in return to independence. Post-LVAD rehabilitation allows caregivers to continue education in management of this complex device [43].
