Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised programme of exercise, education and support for people with respiratory conditions.
What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a programme that combines exercise and education for people with respiratory conditions who are limited by breathlessness.
It can help you understand your condition and develop the skills and confidence to manage it better, while improving your ability to exercise.
Why have I been referred?
Your healthcare professional has referred you for, or discussed, pulmonary rehabilitation because they feel you would benefit from the programme.
The programme will be tailored to your individual needs. These will be identified during your initial appointment.
How can pulmonary rehabilitation help me?
Pulmonary rehabilitation aims to help you:
- feel less short of breath
- increase your energy levels
- walk further and stay active
- reduce hospital visits
- improve your mood and wellbeing
- feel more in control of your condition.
The programme is supervised by trained healthcare professionals who will support you at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you.
What does the programme involve?
The programme includes:
- an initial assessment at a healthcare facility
- supervised exercise sessions twice a week
- information sessions delivered by healthcare professionals
- a final assessment at the end of the six-week programme.
Information sessions may involve:
- a pharmacist
- a respiratory physiotherapist
- a respiratory nurse
- a clinical psychologist
- a smoking cessation nurse
- support groups.
How long does the programme last?
The programme includes 12 sessions, usually held twice a week for six weeks.
Each session lasts approximately one and a half hours.
To get the full benefit of pulmonary rehabilitation, it is important to attend all 12 sessions, or as many sessions as possible.
Where does it take place?
Classes take place in local leisure centres or community facilities.
Your preferred location will be taken into consideration to make travelling to the programme easier.
Classes are usually held on Mondays and Wednesdays, or Tuesdays and Thursdays. The time will be confirmed before your start date.
What topics are covered?
Topics covered during the programme include:
- causes and management of chest problems
- controlling your breathing and clearing your chest
- conserving your energy
- inhalers and medicines
- breathing problems and diet
- managing anxiety and low mood.
Who will be at the class?
Class sizes vary, but there are usually around 10 to 12 people. Everyone attending has a respiratory condition and experiences breathlessness that limits their activities.
A physiotherapist and respiratory nurse lead the classes and monitor your wellbeing throughout the programme.
What should I wear and bring?
Please wear:
- loose, comfortable clothing suitable for exercise
- comfortable shoes or trainers.
Please bring:
- your portable oxygen cylinder if you use oxygen therapy
- your walking aid if you use one
- your inhalers or any other medication you may need
- water or juice to drink.
For more information
Please speak to your General Practitioner practice or respiratory team.