Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program for individuals with chronic lung disease that is classified as either obstructive or restrictive. Examples include emphysema, asthma, bronchitis and interstitial lung disease.
We are here to lead patients to a full, satisfying life and restore them to the highest possible functional capacity. Our program includes medical management, exercise, breathing retraining, education and dietary counseling. The program has specific goals to help improve your quality of life. Those goals are to:
• Decrease respiratory symptoms and complications
• Encourage patients to reach the highest level of independent functioning for daily living
• Improve physical conditioning and exercise performance
• Decrease repeated hospitalizations
Medical necessity for pulmonary rehabilitation is demonstrated by patients who meet certain criteria. An evaluation is done upon enrollment to determine physical capabilities. Before, during and after exercise, oxygen saturation, pulse and respiratory rate are recorded.
Our program consists of three phases. All of the phases are led by registered respiratory
therapists who are continually learning new and improved techniques in pulmonary
rehabilitation.
Phase I
Initial counseling session usually held in the hospital setting on the basic principles of
Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Phase II
Pulmonary Rehab exercise and educational sessions, which are held for two hours, for eight weeks, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at our Strongsville Medical Center, 18181 Drake Road. This is the most important phase as it comprises the basic fundamentals for a healthy life. It will improve heart and lung function, thereby strengthening the muscles used for breathing. Often times, patients may limit physical activities because of the fear of becoming short of breath. Over time, muscle strength decreases, and patients find can find themselves becoming weaker. Southwest General’s program enables patients to pursue activities to the fullest extent of their abilities. This boosts confidence to maintain physical fitness and have full control over breathing.
The physical conditioning is done in a group setting—limited to four patients—and includes activities such as stationary bicycling, walking on a treadmill, using pulley weights and the rowing machine as well as hand weights, arm ergometers and a stationary weight machine. The first hour is solely dedicated to exercise, and the final hour is an educational session. Phase II includes:
• lung anatomy—both normal and abnormal
• breathing retraining
• types of respiratory care equipment—use, cleaning and care
• what to expect if and when an emergency room visit happens
• respiratory medicines
• instructions in breathing and relaxation techniques
• conserving energy for many daily activities
• many subjects concerning your disease processes
• occasional guest speaker
Upon graduation from the program, we encourage patients to further their rehabilitation—whether it be at home exercising, at a local recreation center or in our Phase III program. Our Phase II graduates enjoy a special camaraderie and this continues and grows as they move together into Phase III.
Phase III
Continuation of Phase II offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and afternoons. These sessions are self-pay and monitored. Oxygen is provided, if needed. The stress is placed on continuing physical conditioning.
For more information about Pulmonary Rehab, call 440-816-8982.