What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Pulmonary Rehab is a service that is designed for those who experience lung problems such as:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Interstitial lung disease
- Lung cancer and lung cancer surgery
- Lung volume reduction surgery before and after lung transplantation
Pulmonary Rehabilitation includes exercise classes and education about your lung disease or condition. PR may help you participate in activities with less shortness of breath and teach you how to “live” better with your lung condition.
Additional education includes:
- Reduce and control breathing difficulties and other symptoms.
- Learn more about your disease, treatment options, and chronic disease coping strategies.
- Learn to manage your disease and reduce your dependence on costly medical resources.
- Maintain healthy behaviors such as smoking cessation, good nutrition, and exercise.
Where is Pulmonary Rehab?
Pulmonary Rehab is located inside The Wellness Center at 200 Doctors Drive (2nd floor, Suite R)
The Wellness Center (912) 383-6988.
Pulmonary Rehab Benefits
Pulmonary Rehabilitation helps you to improve your quality of life. Although Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) can’t cure your lung disease, it can be of great benefit and you may notice improved breathing effort and less breathing problems.
Other benefits include:
- Decrease the symptoms of your disease or condition
- Ability to function better in your daily life
- Increased ability to exercise
- Decreased symptoms and better management of anxiety and depression
Pulmonary Rehabilitation allows you to make the most of your limited lung function.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Offers:
Educational programs
The education classes focus on COPD as well as other chronic lung diseases to provide you with information about:
- Medications, including drug action, side effects, using an inhaler, and self-care techniques
- Understanding and using oxygen therapy
- Diet, nutrition, and weight management
- Breathing retraining
- Importance of exercise
- Strategies for managing breathing problems
- Symptom assessment and knowledge about when to seek medical treatment
Monitored and supervised exercise
A physical activity plan is tailored to your needs. Exercise will help improve your endurance and muscle strength, so you’re better able to carry out daily activities.
Psychosocial support
People with chronic lung diseases are more prone to depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems. Many PR programs offer counseling or support groups. Your PR team can refer you to such services if your program doesn’t.
What if I never had rehab?
Give us a call. We will make a recommendation as to the next step you should take. Wellness is the key to a long and independent lifestyle.
The Wellness Center was developed to improve the health and quality of life for pulmonary patients and the entire community. Our facility provides a non-intimidating fitness environment supplemented by educational resources.
The Wellness Center is equipped with circuit strength-training equipment to provide a full body workout for the major muscle groups and dumbbells, barbells, treadmills, cross trainers, bikes, and steppers. Group Fitness classes are offered, including SilverSneakers Senior Programs, Yoga, Strength Classes and HIIT-type classes.
How do I participate?
A physician referral will be needed before starting. Talk to your physician about participating in pulmonary rehabilitation. We will gladly fax your physician a “Referral Form” to complete for entrance into the program.
For additional information, call 912.383.6988.
Insurance Information
Most insurance plans cover monitored sessions. Our staff will contact your insurance company once your physician refers you. We will verify your pulmonary rehabilitation benefits before you enter the program.
If your insurance does not cover you for Pulmonary Rehab, ask about our Financial Assistance program.