Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation
This program helps you reach a maximum level of independence and function on your own through exercise and education. We treat people with lung disease such as COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease or if you are pre/post lung surgery. Our team works with you to increase your functional abilities, decrease shortness of breath, and learn more about the respiratory process and how to prevent relapse of your disease and its symptoms.
How We Treat
Our multidisciplinary team meets with you approximately two hours a day, three times per week for about six to eight weeks. During this time you will learn about your disease and how to maintain your health and better your physical self through exercise in order to optimally use your energy and strengthen your lungs.
Rehabilitation:
You will work with respiratory, physical and occupational therapists to learn techniques to decrease the amount of energy you use for walking, climbing stairs, completing self-care and performing chores so you can breathe easier during these activities.
Exercise Groups:
We offer exercise groups to focus on endurance and mild strength training using fitness equipment at our Fitness Center.
Education:
Respiratory therapists teach you about your lung disease, how to treat it and prevent relapse as well as how to have the best nutrition and exercise habits to stabilize the disease. We teach oxygen safety and how to travel with oxygen.
Program Highlights
- Pulmonary Exercise Program (PEP) to maintain a physical fitness level that was achieved during this program
- Pulmonary Outpatient Weight Reduction (POWR) and nutritional support
- Support Groups
Admissions
Your Primary Care Physician or Pulmonologist may refer you if the following conditions are met:
- Abnormal lung function (spirometry): FEV 1 < 80% of predicted AND FeV1/FVC ratio < 70%, moderate, severe or very severe COPD
- Restrictive Lung Disease
- Low oxygen levels: Pa02 < 55mmHg or Saturation < 90% on ambient air