If you suffer from a pulmonary condition such as asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis, our Pulmonary Rehab Program can help you breathe easier. Our program is designed to help rehabilitate you to the fullest physical, mental, emotional, social and vocational capacity.
Established in 1985, our program is one of the best in the west. Many other hospitals have used our program as a model in establishing their own, or have consulted us to help them improve.
Experienced board certified pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, social workers, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and dieticians are available to ensure your indiviual needs are met.
We also offer the Easy Breathers Club as a support group for people suffering from COPD and chronic lung disease.
Program Overview
Our program consists of a balanced approach to exercise with upper and lower body strengthening. As you exercise, we monitor your heart, blood pressure and oxygen levels to ensure you're receiving the maximum benefit from your rehabilitation regimen. The pulmonary rehab program consists of three phases:
Phase 1 starts with education in pursed lip and diaphragmatic breathing, anatomy, physiology, and training of the muscles. You will learn important principles in pharmaceutical treatment, diet, energy conservation, relaxation, and freedom from smoking.
Phase 2 is a period of time consisting of up to 36 visits, during which you exercise three times a week while undergoing cardiopulmonary monitoring.
Phase 3 consists of sustaining your exercise without cardiac monitoring for as long as you wish to continue the program.
Program Objectives
- To help you successfully address the physical and emotional states related to your pulmonary disorder.
- To education you and your family.
- To maximize your strength and improve your feeling of well-being.
- To help you expand your social and psychological horizons.
- To alleviate and control any acute symptoms.
- To enhance your capacity to carry out daily activities and reduce your reliance on others.
- To help you establish your goals and express your own expectations, while at the same time reducing your healthcare costs.
