Pulmonary rehabilitation

Pulmonary conditions we treat

For most people, breathing is automatic and something you don’t spend much time thinking about—unless you suffer from chronic pulmonary disease. There are many types of pulmonary diseases, most of which stem from chronic lung disease.

Except for transplant situations, damage to the lungs cannot be repaired. But there are ways to compensate. Pulmonary rehabilitation strengthens the rest of the body, so that your lungs don’t have to work so hard. Physical exercise optimizes your body’s ability to use the lung function that’s available and, equally as important, enhances mental and emotional well-being.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is specifically-designed to help patients with lung disorders – including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asthma and lung cancer – reduce symptoms, decrease disability and improve participation in daily living activities.

Pulmonary rehabilitation services 

• Exercises utilizing tread mills, stationary bicycles and free weights
• Lifestyle changes
• Nutritional counseling
• Education on lung disease and how to manage it
• Energy-conserving techniques
• Breathing strategies
• Psychological counseling and group support

Our team of pulmonary specialists, respiratory therapists, nurses, dieticians and social workers works with patients to develop a plan customized to individual needs and abilities. Session durations and exercise intensity are gradually increased over time until significantly more activity can be accomplished with less shortness of breath. After pulmonary rehabilitation is completed, we typically recommend a specialized pulmonary exercise program to maintain physical fitness levels.

Insurance coverage for pulmonary rehabilitation varies, but most insurance plans cover at least part of the program.

Motivation and support groups

Our specially-trained, experienced pulmonary rehabilitation team can help you overcome any fear of exercising by easing you into the appropriate exercise program and clearly establishing your individual limits. Fears eventually dissolve as you experience the benefits of exercise and your ability to improve your overall health.

The rehabilitation team conducts a support group dedicated to people with chronic pulmonary disease. Participants are able to share stories with others who are experiencing similar challenges, and obtain new information about managing their disease.