Breathe easy, stay well
What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised education and exercise program designed to help people with chronic (long-term) lung diseases. It will not cure your lung disease, but it can help you understand your condition and learn ways to reduce your symptoms, focus on your breathing, and improve your overall quality of life. Anyone with a chronic lung disease can benefit from Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Chronic lung conditions include:
- COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema and chronic bronchitis).
- Interstitial lung disease (sarcoidosis and pulmonary fibrosis).
- Lung cancer and lung cancer surgery.
- Lung volume reduction surgery before and after a lung transplant.
- Asthma.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Pulmonary hypertension.
About Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Exercise, education, and teamwork to get you on the right track – Our outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation includes continuous pulse oximetry exercise training, education, and counseling to help individuals understand their lung condition, ways to improve their symptoms, breathing, and overall quality of life. Generally, classes are held two times per week for up to 36 visits. Each class typically varies between one to two hours in length.
Take charge of your continuing pulmonary rehabilitation – After the completion of outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation, our team can help you make the transition to our maintenance program where you will continue exercising with your pulmonary rehabilitation team, without pulse oximetry monitoring, for a nominal fee. Our team can also assist you with transitioning to a community-based independent exercise program.
Our staff uses a multidisciplinary team approach. Team members include a medical director, supervising physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and exercise physiologists. Your physician will be involved during all phases of pulmonary rehabilitation.
The education classes focus on COPD as well as other chronic lung diseases to provide information about:
- Medication and inhalers.
- Diet, nutrition, weight management, and the importance of exercise.
- Breathing exercises help maximize your lung function.
- Symptom assessment and knowledge about when to seek medical treatment.
- A physical activity plan tailored to your needs, with exercises designed to help improve your endurance and muscle strength to support your daily activities.
- Emotional and social assistance.
- Benefit from reduced symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
- Anticipate a longer lifespan and improved quality of life.
- Improve your ability to exercise and resume your usual activities.
- Build your confidence and well-being.
Frequently asked questions.
Getting started requires a pulmonary function test as well as physician referral. Only certain conditions apply. Please discuss pulmonary rehabilitation with your provider.
Wear breathable, cool clothing that is appropriate for exercise. Supportive, closed toe walking shoes can help keep you safe and comfortable. Allow one to two hours between eating and exercise. Don’t smoke or consume caffeinated beverages prior to exercise. Please remember to bring your breathing supplies.
Initially, we will use pulse oximetry while you exercise so we can closely observe your blood oxygen level. You may exercise on treadmills or recumbent bikes along with lifting free weights or using resistance bands.
Location.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Viera
8705 N. Wickham Rd.
Melbourne, FL 32940
Phone: 321.434.9191
Fax: 321.434.9190