Treatment takes place in small groups of 4-6 people.  All members of the group experience similar breathing problems allowing peer support during and after therapy.

The program meets 3 days per week for 3 hours each day for 8 weeks.

A team of specially trained medical professionals including a physician, occupational therapists, physical therapists, respiratory therapist, and an exercise specialist leads therapy. 

Patients receive an hour of treatment with each of the following therapies:

Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Respiratory Therapy

Types of Treatment

Occupational Therapy
Addresses making daily activities easier while teaching patients to pace activities appropriately.  Therapists will also encourage better posture and body mechanics.  Patients will participate in upper body strengthening and flexibility exercise.  Occupational therapy will also teach patients to handle stress and anxiety better. 

Physical Therapy
With the help of new breathing techniques, patients will use cardiovascular exercises to help strengthen the heart and other muscles.

Respiratory Therapy
Teaches patients about lung disease and how to better manage the symptoms.  The class will also help teach patients how to appropriately use respiratory medications, new breathing techniques, and breathing exercise to help improve the function of the breathing muscles. 

Who is Eligible for Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation