Pulmonary Rehabilitation

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An exercise and education program that is created just for you

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

CANADIAN LUNG ASSOCIATION

OR ask your respiratory specialist, 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.

Learn More