Pulmonary rehabilitation

Living with chronic lung disease can make it challenging to perform even the simplest of daily tasks. Our experts at Advocate’s pulmonary rehabilitation program can help you build the muscle strength and stamina you need to get back to living well. 

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

If you have chronic lung diseases, our pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed for you. We can help you manage:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Lung cancer
• Lung disease
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary fibrosis 

Our experts will help you: 

• Restore your lungs to their highest functional capacity
• Increase muscle strength and endurance
• Improve your quality of life by decreasing respiratory symptoms and complications
• Learn self-management skills
• Improve your emotional well-being through a more positive outlook
• Reduce hospitalizations

Before beginning our program, you’ll need a referral from your doctor and participate in an interview to gather your health history. You’ll also complete diagnostic tests to evaluate your lung function and overall condition of your lungs and heart.

Pulmonary rehabilitation program

We’ll work with you to determine your goals for rehabilitation and to develop your individualized program. Your team of experts will include your doctor, a registered nurse, a registered respiratory therapist and exercise physiologists.

Your program will include:

• Orientation and a six-minute walking test to prepare an individualized treatment plan
• Exercise to improve physical conditioning (two to three sessions per week for up to 12 weeks)
• Education for independent self-management skills, including breathing retraining, medications and proper use of inhalers, nutrition energy conservation, and relaxation techniques 
• Emotional support through group sessions 

During each session, we’ll monitor your heart rate and check your oxygen saturation levels. You’ll exercise, which may include riding on a stationary bicycle, walking on a treadmill, working with hand weights or doing steps exercises.