Pulmonary rehabilitation for easier breathing
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary programme for people whose lung disease affects daily life. It combines exercise with education to build awareness, stamina and confidence. It has been shown to improve breathlessness, fatigue, quality of life and exercise tolerance in many lung conditions.
Our programme is personalised and runs over six weeks. It is also useful before and after lung surgery, and for people with long-term breathlessness after COVID.
Who it is for
Symptoms
- Breathing difficulty
- Long-standing dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Excess mucus production
- Post-COVID breathing problems
Conditions
- COPD and emphysema
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Thoracic cage abnormalities
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Neuromuscular disease and severe obesity
- Lung cancer, lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplant
What the programme helps with
- Less breathlessness and fatigue
- Better exercise capacity
- Understanding and managing your lung disease
- Better quality of life
- Easing anxiety and low mood linked to lung symptoms
How treatment works
Assessment
Including a 6-minute walk test and VO2 max test to measure where you start.
Breathing and clearance
Breathing retraining, lung clearance techniques and customised postural drainage.
Exercise and balance
Exercise, balance and flexibility work using the clinic's equipment, built up week by week.
Education and lifestyle
Understanding your lung disease, nutrition guidance and smoking cessation support.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use oxygen during sessions?
Yes. Your physiotherapist will work out whether you need oxygen during exercise for comfort and will show you how to use it while exercising.
Am I suitable to take part?
Yes. Sessions are customised to your needs and abilities. You can bring your walking aid or have a caregiver assist you.
Why not just exercise at home?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured programme with real-time monitoring by the team, which cannot be replicated at home.
How long is the programme?
The pulmonary rehabilitation programme is a personalised six-week plan.
Can it help after COVID?
Yes. Breathlessness and fatigue after COVID are among the reasons people join the programme.