Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Quick Fact: COPD is now the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. Don’t become a statistic!
Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
If you or a loved one are on oxygen, or are suffering from shortness of breath due to ANY of these Pulmonary conditions, we can help!
- COPD
- Lung Cancer
- Emphysema
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Diaphragm Disorders
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Asthmatic Bronchitis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Alpha 1
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Collagen Vascular Disorders
If you are experiencing shortness of breath due to a Pulmonary condition, you truly need the expertise & knowledge that only a Respiratory Therapist can provide.
Only our Pulmonary Rehabilitation program offers this:
One on One individualized disease specific Pulmonary Rehabilitation in which all therapy is performed by Nationally Board Certified Respiratory Therapists specifically trained in Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
If you don’t want to perform your therapy surrounded by strangers, or have an increased risk of infection exposure by being in a group setting, our One on One individualized Pulmonary Rehabilitation program is just what you need!
We will work with you twice per week throughout the length of your pulmonary rehab program. In addition to exercise and education, every visit includes monitoring of your oxygen level, blood pressure, respiratory and heart rates, as well as assessing your lungs. This way your progress is constantly being closely monitored and recorded so that it can be shared with your physician.
Get your life back, start now!
About the Pulmonary Rehab Program
Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation program helps people with moderate to severe breathing problems overcome the physical limitations resulting from their disease. Candidates for the program include patients recovering from an acute episode, people with lung disorders who need conditioning in preparation for surgery, and anyone whose activities are limited by chronic lung disease and shortness of breath. Individuals with chronic lung disease who feels he or she could benefit from the program may call to request an evaluation and are then referred by their physician.
Each patient’s program begins with a comprehensive pulmonary evaluation by clinical experts in pulmonary rehabilitation. Through a carefully planned, integrated and individualized program of supervised physical conditioning, exercise, and educational and nutritional counseling, physical capacity is increased and the patient is empowered to overcome their shortness of breath.
Overview of services
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Evaluation
A comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation evaluation is conducted by our pulmonary rehabilitation team, then an individualized program is developed based on their findings.
Physical Conditioning
People with pulmonary disease often limit physical activity because they are frightened they will become short of breath; lack of activity, however, reduces muscle strength and causes weakness. Our pulmonary rehabilitation program includes exercises and activities which help participants increase physical capacity and regain control of breathing. By combining exercise with other services patients improve their abilities to carry out activities of daily living with more energy and less difficulty.
Education
Patients are taught a variety of topics:
- pulmonary disease and its management
- self-care
- breathing techniques
- energy conservation
- additional strategies to avoid breathlessness
- medication indications and usage
Nutrition Counseling
Shortness of breath can hinder the ability to eat a proper diet. The type of foods and especially the amount eaten can contribute to increased shortness of breath.We assist patients with specific problems attributed to lung disease and promote healthy eating habits.
Psychological Services
Fear, anger, anxiety and frustration often accompany lung disease. To help patients and their families overcome these feelings psychological consultations are provided on a referred basis.
Support Group
The American Lung Association Better Breathers Club is a free monthly support group for people with pulmonary conditions. They can benefit through attending the meetings by:
- Receiving ongoing educational programs consistent with the education needs or individuals living with pulmonary conditions like their own.
- Socializing with individuals who have similar needs in a supportive environment in which persons can learn from one another, thereby helping others adapt to living with chronic illness.
- Meeting new people who understand their breathing problems.
Our Better Breathers Club meets on the last Wednesday of every month, with multiple sessions throughout the day. Demand is quite high, so reservations are required.
At Home Program
The development of an at home independent concurrent exercise regime is key to the success of our pulmonary rehabilitation program. Participants learn to handle their individualized “at home plan” prior to discharge. Follow up sessions afford participants to the opportunity to correct exercise form and to have questions answered before problems become overwhelming.
Outcomes
Outcomes expected at the completion of the program are:
- Decreased shortness of breath
- Enhanced quality of life
- Reduced number of hospitalizations
- Decreased respiratory symptoms and complications
- Improved physical conditioning
- Better self-management of a patient’s disease and increased control of daily functioning
- Improved emotional well-being
- Promotion and development of healthy eating habits
- Increased compliance of medications
