Beaumont's pulmonary rehabilitation program is a comprehensive rehab program for patients who have breathing problems resulting from diseases such as COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma or lung cancer. Pulmonary rehab is also beneficial for those with other lung limitations or lung surgery.
Individualized treatment plans are designed for each person's needs. Through a series of exercises and lectures, participants learn to lessen the limitations placed on them by their lung disease. A pulmonary rehabilitation therapist and exercise physiologist work directly with each individual to:
- increase knowledge of the disease and appropriate therapy techniques
- improve exercise stamina and flexibility
- assist in handling their own care
- help individuals and families cope with the symptoms and chronicity of the disease
- help maintain employment
- increase interest in recreational activities
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Composition
The exercise portion of the program is developed based on individual abilities and needs. The exercise goals are to decrease symptoms, improve quality of life, increase exercise tolerance and improve and/or maintain independence with activities of daily living. The exercise sessions are individually monitored by pulmonary rehabilitation medical staff and include, but are not limited to, the use of treadmills, exercise bicycles and hand weights. Oxygen is available for those who require it.
The lecture portion offers individualized instruction in several areas of interest. Some of the topics include:
- lung structure and function
- lung disease - cause, treatment and outlook
- how to recognize and prevent infections
- medications - their purpose and side effects
- nutrition
- how to control and deal with shortness of breath
- conserving energy in daily tasks
- breathing exercises to improve lung function
- Relaxation techniques
- Stress management
Throughout the program, you will be able to meet with and talk to other people with lung problems. This will enable the participant to learn and share coping strategies and techniques to help them live a fuller, more active life.
Length and Time of Program
Phase II
Participants are required to attend two to three times per week for up to 12 weeks, depending on the level of progression. Sessions are scheduled for one hour.
Phase III
After successfully completing the twelve-week program, patients have the option of enrolling in a patient pay program that allows them to continue to exercise in a supervised setting. As an ongoing program, Phase III allows you to continue medically supervised exercises in a group setting two to five days per week for one hour.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Enrollment and Fees
A physician referral and a pulmonary function test are required prior to enrollment into the program.
The program fee may or may not be reimbursed by the participant's insurance carrier. Please check with your insurance carrier regarding coverage for the program.