Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Breathing is an essential part of life. But for those with chronic lung diseases, breathing may become an ongoing concern. If you experience breathing problems from asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema, restrictive disease or other chronic lung disease, this program can help improve your pulmonary function through education and exercise sessions.

The program is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Preventive and rehabilitative care for patients with pulmonary disease has many benefits:

• Improve quality of life.
• Improve ability to carry out daily living activities.
• Increase exercise tolerance and energy levels.
• Reduce anxiety, panic and depression.
• Increase self-esteem.
• Develop a support system.
• Encourage independence.
• Reduce hospitalization and health concerns.

Your team may include:

• Clinical exercise physiologists.
• Diabetic educator.
• Dietitian.
• Respiratory therapists.
• Other respiratory health professionals.

The education component

The following topics are covered:

• Advance directives.
• Coping skills and motivation.
• Home respiratory equipment.
• Living with a chronic respiratory disease.
• Medications.
• Nutrition counseling.
• Oxygen therapy.
• Pacing yourself in your daily activities.
• Retraining your breathing and breathing techniques.
• Stress reduction, relaxation techniques and overall mental health.

The exercise component

Medically supervised exercise programming and conditioning programs are individually tailored and can include this equipment:

• Arm ergometer
• Bicycle
• Hand weights
• Treadmill

Cost

Most insurance, health maintenance organizations and government reimbursement plans will cover 80% of program cost. Check with your insurance provider for eligibility. The program is often covered up to 12 weeks or 24 sessions, depending on insurance coverage.

Enrollment

Your physician will refer you to the outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. Talk to your primary care provider or pulmonologist for a referral to this program.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Do not eat a heavy meal prior to exercise session
• Medication should be taken on your normal schedule
• Rubber soled shoes with arch support are recommended
• Wear comfortable clothing