What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is a programme of exercise and education designed for people with chronic lung conditions who experience symptoms of breathlessness.

A PR course typically lasts six weeks, with two sessions of around one and a half hours each week, and includes an individually prescribed exercise and education programme.

Benefits of PR 

Evidence shows that accessing PR improves people’s ability to walk further, helps them feel less tired and breathless when carrying out day-to-day activities.

90 per cent of patients who complete a PR programme have higher activity and exercise levels and report an improved quality of life. 

PR has been shown to support better self-management and reduction in flare-ups, reduction in GP appointments and a reduction in hospital admissions.

How to get referred

If you have been diagnosed with a chronic lung condition — such as COPD, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, or other similar conditions — you can speak to your GP, practice nurse, or respiratory specialist to find out whether a referral to our programme would benefit you.

What to expect after you are referred

Once your referral has been received it will be reviewed by one of our clinical staff. If accepted, you will be offered an assessment over the telephone with one of our respiratory physiotherapists or nurses.  We will discuss your symptoms, medication, medical history and the day-to-day impact of your breathing issues. The options for pulmonary rehabilitation will be discussed and we will plan the next steps with you.

Our classes

We also work in collaboration with Dorset Healthcare who provide PR in the following venues:

What happens during the class?

The class is led by a respiratory specialist physiotherapist or nurse, with input from other healthcare professionals. Each class will include a warm-up, exercises and a cool-down.  Everyone exercises at a different level depending on their ability.

You will get out of breath when you exercise, but this is part of your rehabilitation. You will be monitored carefully and never be asked to do more than you can safely manage.

The sessions also include a discussion or a talk on a topic relevant to your condition.

Topics 

• Managing your Breathlessness 
• Why Exercise is Important
• Chest Clearance 
• Lung Anatomy
• Lung Conditions 
• Inhalers 
• Management of flare-ups
• Energy Conservation 
• Nutrition in COPD
• Health and Wellbeing 
• Hints and Tips

Contact details

Tel: 01305 255203

Email: pulmonaryrehab@dchft.nhs.uk