Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after lung issues is important because the muscles you use for breathing and moving need to be re-conditioned. Pulmonary rehab is an individualized treatment program including evaluation, physician-supervised exercise and instruction designed to help you regain strength and endurance, better manage your symptoms, and return to normal activities of daily living after a lung exacerbation or infection. It is the final step in the continuum of care from hospitalization to home!
Patients who participate in outpatient pulmonary rehab lower their risk of another “event” or hospitalization by as much as 30%.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Covenant
The multi-disciplinary pulmonary rehab team at Covenant provides that bridge between inpatient care and outpatient independence at our Mackinaw Campus. From exercise physiologists and respiratory therapists to registered nurses and dietitians, the Covenant team offers medically directed, comprehensive care to improve your overall well-being while lowering your risk of another hospitalization.
With patient satisfaction ratings in the 95th percentile for two years straight, the Covenant pulmonary rehab team knows how to lead you toward a safe and speedy recovery with confidence. We design a program that takes your personal needs into account with the goal of helping you gain confidence, improve your quality of life, and live longer.
Let the experts at Covenant help you get better control over your breathing, so it isn’t controlling you!
Who Can Benefit from Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
The Covenant pulmonary rehab program is designed for those who experience:
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Interstatial lung disease
- Lung volume reduction surgery before and after lung transplant
- Lung cancer and lung cancer surgery
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Sarcoidosis
- Shortness of breath post-COVID
- Certain other chronic, stable lung conditions
Key Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Boost Your Lung Health and Recovery
- Decreased breathing problems through better breathing techniques
- Reduced symptoms
- Better COPD management through exercise and education
- Improved endurance
- Increased ability and confidence to exercise
- Improved ability to perform daily tasks at home
- Better management of anxiety and depression
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Educational Programs
Classes are designed to provide information about:
- Improving health behaviors such as smoking cessation, nutrition and breathing techniques
- Benefits of exercise for disease management and overall health and well-being
- Medication, including drug action, side effects, inhaler use and self-care techniques
- Strategies for managing shortness of breath and other breathing problems
- Symptom management and when to call a provider
- Understanding home oxygen use and traveling with oxygen
What to Expect When Starting Pulmonary Rehab
- Phase 1: Outpatient – Pulmonary rehab typically consists of 24-36 one-hour sessions, 2-3 days per week of medically directed, group exercise treatment for 12-18 weeks, which is covered by most insurances.
- Phase 2: Maintenance – Optional self-managed and self-pay program.
Our Team
We get to know our patients well, working together to improve your overall well-being! Your care team may include:
- Physicians and residents
- Physician assistants
- Nurse practitioners
- Respiratory therapists
- Exercise physiologists
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Registered nurses
- Dietitians
- Medical assistants
- Social workers
- Health educators
Next Steps
You can ask your healthcare provider for a referral or contact us directly at (989)583-5030 for more information.
Covenant Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program can help you get better control over your breathing, so it isn't controlling you!
Better Breathers Group: For “Community” When Living with Lung Disease
If you have been diagnosed with a lung disease, you may find that even simple tasks can be challenging. It sometimes requires helping loved ones understand and adjust too. The Covenant Better Breathers Group meets quarterly to create a “community” for patients, spouses, significant others and friends to share experiences, learn more about managing chronic conditions, and receive ongoing emotional support and encouragement. Facilitated by Covenant pulmonary rehabilitation team experts, the group can help participants make healthier lifestyle choices and better manage their condition so life is fuller and more active!
For support group dates and times, call (989)583-5030.