What is pulmonary rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehab is a program of education and exercise. It will help you to learn more about your lungs and your disease. You will learn to exercise with less shortness of breath. You will learn skills and knowledge in the program. They will help you feel better. They will also help you to manage your lung disease. You will become stronger by increasing your fitness levels. Exercising your lungs and your muscles helps you be more active. This will help you to do the things you enjoy more. Rehab may also reduce the need to visit the hospital.
There are many things to think about when choosing a pulmonary rehab program. If you haven’t already, check with your GP to see if pulmonary rehab is a good fit for you.
If you would like more information about pulmonary rehab, please contact Steps to Health on 0191-502-6404.
Who will run the rehab?
The programme is run by:
- Exercise practitioners
- Pulmonary specialist nurses.
Where is your pulmonary rehab program based?
It is a community program. We have a few sites. You may also be able to do the program in your own home.
Is pulmonary rehab right for me?
We recommend it to people with lung conditions who have shortness of breath and are not able to do daily activities even though they are taking medicine. Many patients in rehab programs have COPD but these programs also help people with other types of lung disease that restricts breathing and activity.
Can I use oxygen during pulmonary rehab?
Yes. When you start will check to see how active you are. We will ask you to do the incremental shuttle walk test. While you do this, we will check the amount of oxygen you need during different types of exercise. We will guide you through the exercises and help you use your oxygen.
Can I do pulmonary rehab at home?
Pulmonary rehab is so much more than just exercise. It is education and support for people living with lung disease. After you have been going to pulmonary rehab for a while, you may be able to do some of the exercise at home. Always check with us before starting an exercise routine at home.