Pulmonary rehabilitation is the “gold standard” for reducing the physical and emotional impact of chronic lung diseases, the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. If you or someone close to you has a severe respiratory condition, our approach to pulmonary rehabilitation holds the promise of increased independence and improved quality of life.
What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation combines exercise training and behavioral and educational programs designed to help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung disorders manage symptoms and improve day-to-day activities. By bringing together the benefits of exercise and education, pulmonary rehabilitation gives patients the tools they need to achieve and maintain optimal lung function and better manage their health.
Who benefits from it?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is effective for individuals with a range of lung-related diseases and disorders including:
- COPD
- Asthma
- Pre/post Lung Reduction
- Pre/post Lung Transplant
- Restrictive Lung Disease
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Bronchiectasis
- Emphysema
The Riverside pulmonary rehabilitation program
Our Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program consists of a series of classes designed to help people with chronic lung disease once again become active participants in life … not just observers.
By attending classes, you will learn many things about your lungs, including treatments and coping strategies for your particular condition plus specific information about respiratory medications, stress management, breathing techniques, energy conservation, nutrition, lung anatomy and infection prevention.
The gentle strength and aerobic exercises you’ll participate in will help you be more active with less shortness of breath. Usually, you will be exercising both your arms and legs. The exercise portion of the classes will help you feel better and become stronger.
During these group sessions, you will also meet other people in our community with breathing problems and will be able to share concerns and effective approaches to care.
Program goals and benefits
Along with helping you enjoy a more independent lifestyle, the goals of Riverside’s outpatient program include:
- Reduced hospitalizations
- Reduced physician office visits
- Reduced emergency room visits
- Reduced fatigue and shortness of breath
- Increased activity level and socialization
- Increased self-esteem
- Increased understanding of pulmonary disease
- Increased awareness of treatments and coping strategies
- Healthier behaviors including smoking cessation and good nutrition
- Return to work for some patients
Everything you need to know about participating
Classes meet two times per week for nine weeks.
Classes are held on the Peninsula in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department on the 2nd floor of the Medical Office Building on the Riverside Regional Medical Center campus, which is located across the parking lot form the Emergency Department. On the Eastern Shore, classes are held inside Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital.
A physician referral is required for admission into the program and all patients must show documentation of a pulmonary function test sometime in the year prior to participation. In addition, patients should be personally motivated to attend the program and must also be non-smokers or be actively seeking smoking cessation.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is covered by many insurance plans.
Find out more about our outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program
For more information call 757-534-5854. For more information call 757-534-5854 on the Peninsula or 757-302-2100 on the Eastern Shore. Come join us an improve your health one breath at a time.