Pulmonary Rehabilitation
A complete, multidisciplinary program for people with lung disease.
Pulmonary rehabilitation (or rehab) is a structured program designed for people living with chronic lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis (PF).
Pulmonary rehab programs are usually delivered in a group setting with other patients with lung disease and conducted by trained health care professionals such as respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, and nurse educators. At the end of your program, some centres have an optional ongoing maintenance program.
- Reduce symptoms, such as shortness of breath and feeling tired
- Increase functioning and quality of life
- Improve how you exercise
- Give you more knowledge about your lung disease
- Help you manage your lung disease
- Help you do your everyday activities
- Improve your quality of life
- Relieve anxiety and depression
Find Pulmonary Rehab Programs
CANADIAN PULMONARY REHABILITATION PROGRAM
OR ask your respiratory specialist or your family health care provider or contact your local lung association.
How a Rehab Program Works
Most pulmonary rehabilitation programs follow the same plan with two to three sessions every week for about 12 weeks, including:
One hour of classes on topics about lung disease. Classes include topics such as:
- Lung disease
- Medications
- Nutrition
- Ways to control shortness of breath
- Home exercise programs
One hour of supervised exercise, including stretching exercises, aerobic exercise on a treadmill / stationary bicycle and strength training
How to Join a Pulmonary Rehab Program
To join a pulmonary rehabilitation program, you will probably need:
- A referral/prescription from your doctor
- A recent pulmonary function test (PFT)
- An electrocardiogram (heart function test)
- An exercise test
- A medical history
- A physical examination
Most of these tests will be done as part of your PF diagnosis and can be provided by your respiratory specialist.
Respiplus Exercise Program
Respiplus is a Free Online, one-on-one PF exercise program
Living Well with Pulmonary Fibrosis by Respiplus offers a free series of education modules and learning tools that will help you learn skills to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviours. The program was designed for you to choose your own priorities and objectives, and to go through the content at your own pace.
More on Pulmonary Rehabilitation
One Breath at a Time
Simple, but effective, exercises that can be done conveniently in and around the home or at your local gym or with a respiratory therapist.
The Role of Respiratory Therapists in Managing Pulmonary Fibrosis
Respiratory therapists Jenna Jangalee and Tina Hsu, explain the role they play in helping you manage your PF.
Physical Activity & Pulmonary Rehab in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Dr. Paul Hernandez outlines the benefits of physical activity and pulmonary rehab and the research behind it.
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