Pulmonary Conditioning
The Pulmonary Conditioning Program addresses the rehabilitative needs of a wide variety of pulmonary conditions, the most common of which are:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Pre and Post Lung Transplant
This program is initially designed for a patient to meet with their therapist two to three times per week for up to 12 weeks, but the frequency and duration will be tailored to meet the specific needs of the patient. During a patient's session, deficits that patients frequently develop are addressed and treated such as:
- Decreased walking distances
- Decreased strength
- Poor balance placing the patient at risk for falls
- Pain in common places such as shoulders, back, hips, and knees
- Breathing pattern disorders
Treatments focus on aerobic training with a main emphasis on improving a patient’s ability to walk, recumbent stepper and bicycle, strengthening, balancing, and breathing exercises. Close monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation are being watched during patient’s treatment, and if the patient uses supplementary oxygen, this will be adjusted to ensure the patient is exercising as a safe level.
Patient Testimony
“When I was diagnosed with COPD I was heart-broken and was unsure of the next steps to improve my health. My doctor sent me to physical therapy for the pulmonary conditioning program. My therapist explained the entire program thoroughly and started very slow with me to improve my breathing, walking, and overall strength. I went through the entire program in 2017 and smaller parts of the program every year since to insure I did not experience any decline. In the beginning I could not walk for longer than four minutes before needing to sit down because I was short of breath. Now fast-forward almost four years, and I can walk as a much faster pace for 75 minutes before needing to sit down and rest. I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with such a knowledgeable and caring staff at the Myrtue Medical Center Rehab Department” - Faye Patten
