What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation uses respiratory therapy techniques to help people with various lung diseases manage their symptoms, reduce hospitalizations, and improve their overall quality of life. At St. Joseph Health, our respiratory therapists work hand-in-hand with your doctor to provide personalized care.

What do patients do in pulmonary rehabilitation?

Our respiratory and physical therapists focus on:

• Educating patients about their condition
• Teaching methods to help people breathe more efficiently
• Building endurance with functional exercises, like:
  • Practices to improve strength and lung capacity
  • Energy conservation exercises
  • Strength training to help muscles overcome the effects of reduced oxygen
• Improving our patients’ quality of life

Who is eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation?

You may be a candidate for respiratory therapy if you:

• Have a lung disease
• Regularly experience shortness of breath
• Have difficulty completing everyday tasks, even while taking medication
   

If you or a loved one meet the above criteria, schedule a visit with a St. Joseph Health pulmonologist today to discuss whether pulmonary rehabilitation may be right for you.