Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that provides medical evaluation, supervised exercise, risk factor, modification, medication optimization and education to people who are suffering from chronic pulmonary diseases. Pulmonary rehabilitation helps patients regain the ability to live normal day-to-day lives and restores independence.

Most of the people who undergo pulmonary rehabilitation have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, people who have chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension also may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation. If a person has any of these conditions, his or her physician may prescribe pulmonary rehabilitation. Additionally, patients who need lung transplantation may also undergo rehabilitation until a donor lung becomes available.

Pulmonary rehabilitation program here at UK is based on a team approach. Our team includes pulmonologists, nurses, exercise physiologists, dietitians and therapy technicians. The rehabilitation team works closely with each participant to develop an individualized treatment plan specific to his or her needs and goals. Participants are followed closely to ensure an appropriate exercise prescription, dietary plan and medication plan. A variety of equipment is used in pulmonary rehabilitation including treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bicycles and a weight system. During each session, the patient is monitored by the staff to ensure safety as well as progress.