Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Highly skilled treatment for patients with chronic lung disease
At Southwest General, our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is one for breathing-impaired
individuals who experience difficulty with shortness of breath, repeated
pulmonary flare-ups and hospitalizations or are seeking information to
deal with these concerns. Lung diseases--including COPD--include emphysema,
chronic bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease
or neuromuscular abnormalities.
Helping Patients to an Improved and Satisfying Life by Improving Lung Function
Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is structured to include exercise,
breathing, retraining education and dietary counseling. The program has
specific goals to improve quality of life. Those goals include:
- Decreasing respiratory symptoms and complications
- Encouraging patients to reach the highest level of independent functioning
for daily living
- Improving physical conditioning and exercise performance
- Decreasing repeated hospitalizations
Medical necessity for pulmonary rehabilitation is demonstrated by patients
who meet certain criteria. This is done by having pulmonary function test
(spirometry) that will confirm the degree of severity.
A Three-Phase Program for a Continuum of Care
There are three phases that are led by health care professionals who are
continually learning new and improved techniques in pulmonary rehabilitation.
This includes new medical technology, modalities and educational forms.
Phase I
This is an initial counseling session in the inpatient setting with a physician
referral to explain the pulmonary rehabilitation program. The phase is
also for inpatient smoking cessation visits.
Phase II
This phase consists of monitored exercise and educational sessions. These
sessions are geared toward improving your 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 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 and includes activities
such as stationary bicycling, treadmill, pulley weights, rowing machine,
hand weights, arm ergometers and a stationary weight machine.
Phase II education includes:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- 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
- How to conserve energy for many daily activities
- Subjects concerning your disease processes
- Occasional guest speakers
- Heart anatomy
- Insurance Coverage
Pulmonary Rehab Phase II is covered by most insurance plans. However, patients
should check with their own insurance company regarding coverage.
Upon graduation from a Phase II program, we encourage patients to further
their rehabilitation, whether it be home exercise, at a local recreation
center or in our Phase III program. Our Phase II graduates enjoy a special
camaraderie and this continues and grows.
Phase III
These sessions are self-pay and medically supervised. Oxygen is provided,
if needed. This part of the program stresses continuing physical conditioning.
The Phase II and Phase III programs are held at the Strongsville Medical
Center on Pearl Rd.
We Look Forward to Helping You
For more information about Southwest General’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Program, please call 440-816-8982 or 440-816-5772.