Keep Active, Breathe Better
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Information for Patients
About Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a programme of exercise and education designed for people with chronic lung conditions. If you experience shortness of breath on a regular basis, we can help you to improve your quality of life, stay well and feel more in control of your breathlessness. Participants attend sessions twice a week for six weeks. Sessions will include education and exercises that are tailored to your own ability level, that you can do at your own pace in a safe environment. You will learn about:
- Your chronic lung condition
- The benefits of exercise
- Breathing techniques
- Managing your medication
- Managing flare ups and set-backs
- Relaxation and mental wellbeing
- Pacing and energy conservation
- Community-based exercise groups.
Common Concerns
I can’t do exercise…
Many people worry that they are too poorly to exercise but everyone can go at their own pace and feel the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation.
I feel anxious about attending a group…
It’s natural to feel nervous, but the group are friendly and welcoming. All attendees share similar conditions, experiences and symptoms, so everyone understands and respects one another.
Our therapists will guide you with comfort and care through the programme, providing a thorough assessment and supervision during each class.
Before you Start
To ensure you are safe to do the exercises in the class, you will undergo a thorough assessment with a therapist. They will:
- Ask you about your a history of your chest problem/s, any relevant medical conditions
- Ask about any medications
- Measure your blood pressure, oxygen levels and heart rate
- Auscultate (listen to) your chest.
The therapist will ask you to perform a short walking exercise to determine your current exercise level. We will also assess how your breathing affects your day-to-day life and what you hope to achieve from pulmonary rehabilitation.
It is natural to feel a bit nervous before starting, but don’t worry – the group is friendly, supportive and you can work at your own pace.
Reach your goals
Regular attendance is important to help you achieve your goals. You will be able to set goals that are personal and important to you, that you can easily measure. At the end of the programme you should:
- Be more independent
- Feel more in control of your breathing and less breathless during your daily activities
- Find it easier to carry out daily tasks
- Feel stronger with more stamina
- Feel motivated and confident to keep active
What people thought of the sessions
‘I have enjoyed the course so much, my fitness has really improved, I am walking further without needing to stop as often and the exercises have helped me lose over a stone in weight.’
‘The education sessions have helped me enormously, in particular the knowledge I have gained on breathing techniques.’
‘I was doubtful I’d be able to do it because I have so many medical conditions but I have found that I feel better in myself. I am more active and I have seen the progression over the weeks I have been at the classes.’
How to access the programme
Ask your GP, nurse or respiratory consultant to make a referral for you.
Contacting us
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team are based at the George Carnall Community Hub in Davyhulme.
You can contact us via:
Call 0161 549 6750
@TraffordPRehab on Twitter
Email mft.pulmonaryrehab@nhs.net