Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program for people with chronic lung diseases like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), emphysema, interstitial lung disease and chronic bronchitis. It is designed to provide patients with the tools to lead more satisfying lives and restore them to their highest functional capacity.
Pulmonary rehabilitation focuses on lifestyle modifications that allow patients to feel better, more effectively function with chronic lung disease, and reduce hospital admissions. Program components include activities of daily living (ADL) modification such as energy conservation and pulmonary hygiene, breathing retraining, education about medications and medication administration, and cardiovascular and strength training. Each participant has an individualized program created for them.
This medically supervised program features a team of experts that includes our medical director who is an internal medicine specialist whose sole practice is caring for rehabilitation patients. Nurses, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, and exercise physiologists are on-site to monitor each client’s condition and progress as he or she moves through the prescribed physical activities. Clients also have access to a registered dietitian and licensed clinical social worker. Updates regarding each client’s progress are sent to his or her physician.
If this video speaks to you and your condition, please talk with your doctor and ask if you or your family member are a candidate for pulmonary rehab at St. Luke’s Clinic-Lifestyle Medicine.