If you are one of the 16 million Americans diagnosed with some form of chronic pulmonary disease, pulmonary rehabilitation is a program that can help you improve your long-term endurance and stamina and can get help successfully manage your condition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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: