Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program for people with breathing conditions to help cope with breathlessness and therefore improve quality of life.

The benefits include:

• Improved ability to do normal daily activities
• Reduced shortness of breath
• Improved energy levels
• Improved mood and motivation.
• Decreased time in hospital

Research shows that pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the best things people with breathing conditions can do to improve your breathing and wellbeing.

If you have a diagnosis of a chronic lung condition such as:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Bronchiectasis
• Asthma
• Interstitial lung disease
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Lung cancer
• People waiting for a lung transplant or other lung operations excluding cardiac surgery

You will have an assessment to tailor the program for individual goals and abilities.

The program is for 8 weeks. It includes two exercise sessions and one education session each week. 

The education session assists you to learn more about you condition and how to manage it. It includes information such as breathing techniques, using medications and how to conserve energy.

Following the eight weeks you will be encouraged to continue with their own exercise or may be referred to a suitable community exercise program.

You will have access to a variety of health professionals including:

• Physiotherapists
• Exercise physiologists
• Dietitians
• Occupational Therapists
• Pharmacists
• Psychologists
• Speech Pathologists
• Specialist Nurses
• Allied Health Assistants

A referral is required for this program.

This can come from your doctor, nurse, care coordinators or Allied Health professionals, such as physiotherapists.

After the referral is received, you will be contacted to arrange an appointment.

There is no cost for this program.