Pulmonary Rehab

Pulmonary Rehabilitation can:

• Decrease the symptoms of your disease or condition
• Improve your ability to do everyday tasks with less fatigue and shortness of breath
• Help you manage symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Help you understand and manage your lung disease with a variety of educational topics

Pulmonary Rehabilitation allows you to make the most of the limited lung function you have, helping put you in charge of your breathing instead of your breathing being in charge of you.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a service designed for those who experience lung problems such as:

• COPD
• Emphysema
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Sarcoidosis
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Lung Cancer and Lung Cancer Surgery
• Etc

What does the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program consist of?

It consists three main components: Exercise, Education, and Emotional Support.

Exercise – Participants undergo an in-depth initial evaluation before starting the program that will determine the proper exercises based on individual needs. This includes an aerobic portion, such as treadmill or recumbent bicycle. There are also strength and stretching evaluations designed to improve your strength, balance, and flexibility.

Education – There are a variety of topics covered related to lung disease, such as: Understanding Your Lung Disease, Use of Respiratory Medications, Breathing Strategies, Preventing Infections, Nutrition and Lung Disease, and Relaxation Techniques.

Emotional Support – Participants will be taught relaxation and breathing techniques that can decrease anxiety common with any lung disease. Participants will go through the program along with others that have similar lung problems.

How long is the program?

• The program is 9 weeks in duration.
• Class times are Tuesdays and Thursdays, lasting 3 hours
• There are two class times that can accommodate your needs
• Morning Class – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Afternoon Class – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

How will I know if the program is right for me?

Your healthcare provider will determine if you qualify for pulmonary rehabilitation by:

• Evaluating your current state of health and lung function test results
• Discussing your current activity level and your ability to do the things you want to do
• Determine your willingness and ability to attend

Once a referral has been received from your provider, an insurance authorization will be sent to the team at Saint Mary’s to determine insurance coverage and what the out-of-pocket cost may be to you prior to starting the program.