Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Find the lifesaving support you need to breathe easier, with state-of-the-art care from our specialized team 

If you suffer from long-term lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other breathing problems, the pulmonary rehabilitation (rehab) program at Rutland Pulmonary Center can provide the specialized support you need. Our expert team will work with you to improve your breathing problems.

What is Pulmonary Rehab?

Pulmonary rehab is a program designed to help you manage your lung disease symptoms, breathe better, and improve your quality of life. Our board-certified team will provide education and supervised exercise to help you meet your personal goals.

Results include:

  • Less shortness of breath
  • Improved quality of life
  • Better understanding of your disease
  • More independence in your daily life
  • Less time in the hospital

Who Should Have Pulmonary Rehab?

If you have lung disease, experience shortness of breath regularly, and have trouble with daily activities (despite medication), your doctor might recommend pulmonary rehab.

Pulmonary rehab can help patients with conditions including:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Asthma
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Lung cancer
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Pulmonary hypertension

Think you might benefit from pulmonary rehab? Ask your doctor for a referral to the Rutland Pulmonary Center and call 802.775.2036 for more information.

What to Expect in Pulmonary Rehab

Pulmonary rehab is an eight-week program. You’ll work with a team of board-certified pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and registered nurses to help you achieve your goals. Your specialized team will create a personal program for you. While pulmonary rehab will not cure your lung disease, it can help you get stronger and breathe more easily.

Pulmonary rehab includes:

  • Exercise
  • Education
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Breathing techniques
  • Oxygen dosing

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Schedule

The program is eight weeks long and starts with an interview with a registered respiratory therapist.

Interview

The 1 ½ hour interview will give you a chance to talk with the respiratory therapist who will work with you throughout the program. You’ll also complete a health history form, a six-minute walk test, and questionnaires that we’ll use during the program to track your progress.

Physical Therapy Evaluation

COPD patients also complete a one-hour physical therapy evaluation. During this evaluation, a physical therapist will assess your physical ability.

Pulmonary Rehab Exercises

Breathing problems often cause people to avoid exercise. But the right kinds of exercise – with the guidance of specialists – can help improve your breathing and give you more energy.

In pulmonary rehab, you’ll learn to exercise safely while paying attention to your breathing and oxygen levels. We will provide customized exercise options for you, including different options depending on your ability when you start. Over time, you’ll find your exercise ability will improve and you may be able to exercise for longer periods of time.

What Else Do We Do in Pulmonary Rehab?

In pulmonary rehab, you’ll learn everything you need to know about your lung disease and how to manage it. Your rehab team will work with you on breathing techniques and medication management and will provide information to help you live well with your condition.

Your personalized education program includes:

  • Information about your specific lung condition
  • Breathing techniques such as pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing
  • When and how to take your medicines
  • Stress management
  • Nutrition
  • Oxygen therapy

Ask your doctor for a referral to the Rutland Pulmonary Center and call 802.775.2036 for more information.

Contact 
Rutland Pulmonary Center

802.775.2036

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