The primary goals of the program are to improve the patient’s quality
of life, increase their strength and endurance and to decrease their shortness
of breath with activity. Overall, we aim to positively alter the patient’s
lifestyle or pattern of living. Our pulmonary rehab program is individually
tailored to meet the needs of every single patient under the direction
of a doctor. We train, motivate, rehabilitate, and educate the patient
and their significant other. Some outcomes of participating in our pulmonary
rehab program are reduced hospitalizations, improved quality of life,
reduced respiratory difficulty, reduced anxiety/depression, improved independence
with activities, and increased survival in some patients. The following
medical conditions/diagnoses are appropriate for pulmonary rehab:
COPD
Asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Cystic fibrosis
Sarcoidosis
Post-polio syndrome
Pre- and post- lung transplantation
Occupational/environmental lung disease, and many more.
A typical pulmonary rehab session lasts 45-90 minutes and consists of a
warm-up, arm and leg strengthening exercises, cardiovascular endurance
exercises on a variety of machines (bike, treadmill, arm bike, etc.),
balance activities, and patient education regarding pacing and proper
breathing mechanics at rest and with exertion. Patients are typically
seen 2-3 times per week for 1-3 months.
