Pulmonary Rehabilitation
People with chronic lung disease often benefit from participation in a specialized outpatient exercise and education program known as pulmonary rehabilitation. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation program provides a thorough, six-week acute intervention for patients with impaired lung function.
The goal is to improve patients’ overall function and increase their ability to perform regular daily activities without experiencing shortness of breath.
Our pulmonary rehab program is staffed by specially trained medical professionals to assist you in managing and living with your specific lung condition.
Who is eligible?
Patients referred for pulmonary rehab have one of the following:
- emphysema
- asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- chronic bronchitis
- bronchiectasis
- lung transplant
- lung cancer
- cystic fibrosis
- interstitial lung disease
- other lung-related conditions
Pulmonary rehab is covered by most insurers and is offered at a time that is convenient for you. Pulmonary rehab typically runs eight to 12 weeks, two days a week for 60 to 90 minutes.
Enrollment is easy; just ask your physician for a referral and call to make an appointment at one of our locations below.
What will I do?
While you are at pulmonary rehab, our professional staff of exercise physiologists, nurses, and respiratory therapists will complete a detailed interview, brief physical exam, and a comprehensive review of your medical history. From this, an individualized exercise and health improvement plan will be designed to help you meet your personal health improvement goals.
This plan will include an individualized program of aerobic and resistance exercise, as even a small increase in activity will help improve the functioning of your heart and lungs,allowing them to work together more efficiently.
As you become fit, your muscles will use oxygen more efficiently so your heart and lungs will not need to work as hard. With this and using light weights to strengthen your muscles, you will be able to do more with less shortness of breath and fatigue.
During pulmonary rehab, your oxygen levels will be
monitored and your blood pressure and heart rate will be checked as needed. In addition, at each visit we will ask you about signs and symptoms of pulmonary distress, and review your progress.
What are the benefits?
Pulmonary rehab will help you gain the knowledge and techniques that will improve your overall health and put you in control of your life. Through one-on-one sessions and demonstrations, we teach you what you need to know to manage your lung condition and optimize its recovery and/or management. The topics that may be covered include:
- understanding COPD
- medication and proper use of inhalers
- breathing techniques that help reduce anxiety and distress when short of breath
- energy conservation and pacing
- nutritional counseling
- smoking cessation techniques
- weight management techniques
- stress management techniques
Locations
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- UPMC Passavant
UPMC Passavant Cranberry
Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
Building 3, Suite 203
3 St. Francis Way
Cranberry Township, PA. 16066
Phone: 724-720-5930
Fax: 412-367-5591
Get directions
- UPMC Presbyterian – Pulmonary Rehab
3601 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-647-7035
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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- UPMC Shadyside – Cardiopulmonary Rehab
Shadyside Medical Building, Suite 503
5200 Centre Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412-623-1684
Hours: Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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