Through a combination of exercise, education and counseling, the pulmonary rehab team at Memorial Hermann (including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, exercise specialists, and dietitians) will create a customized rehabilitation program that matches your specific needs and goals.
Exceptional Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Houston
At Memorial Hermann, we truly believe pulmonary rehabilitation can help you live a full life with a chronic lung condition. Our staff is always available to answer your questions, so call us at any time for more information about our rehab programs. We can also accept calls and faxed referral forms from your primary care physician.
What Are the Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important step in learning to live with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other lung disorders. Although it cannot completely eliminate your breathing challenges or cure your lung disease, it will help to improve your breathing and strengthen your lungs.
- Additional benefits of pulmonary rehab:
- Increased ability to exercise
- Decreased symptoms of your disease or condition
- Better overall function in your daily life
- Better coping with anxiety and depression related to your condition
What Can You Expect During Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
At Memorial Hermann, Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a 12-week, multidisciplinary program that includes Physical Therapy, Nutritional Counseling and Educational and Psychological Counseling. Memorial Hermann also offers Home Pulmonary Dysfunction Therapy if you require in-home treatment.
Physical Therapy
One of the most effective ways to improve your breathing is to increase your general level of fitness. Your assigned physical therapist may have you participate in the following activities:
- Walking on a treadmill
- Recumbent biking (sits you in a reclining position)
- Strength training (for overall fitness)
- Stair climbing
- Breathing exercises to improve lung capacity
Nutritional Counseling
Diet plays a major role in helping you manage your overall health and lung function. Memorial Hermann’s licensed dietitians will work closely with you to provide education about the benefits of a proper diet for your long-term health and wellbeing. We will also create a customized diet plan for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Educational and Psychological Counseling
Cultivating a strong support system plays an important role in the success of pulmonary rehabilitation. That is why we invite you to bring family members to our centers for one of our education sessions. We feel that it’s vital for family to participate in and learn the best strategies for helping you live a full life in spite of your lung disease.
As a Pulmonary Rehabilitation participant, you will also work closely with occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists and others to arm you with the resources and knowledge you need, including:
- Proper breathing techniques
- Strategies for living with your lung condition
- How to exercise safely
- When to call your doctor if your condition changes
- Individual and group therapy sessions for managing anxiety and depression
- Memorial Hermann also offers Home Pulmonary Dysfunction Therapy if you require in-home treatment.