Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program for Pulmonary Disease

Did you know: More than 16 million Americans have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Millions more have it and don’t know it.

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Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Physical Therapy / Pulmonary Disease

What is pulmonary disease?

Pulmonary disease (also called a respiratory disease or lung disorder) can impact the lungs and the respiratory system. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis are included. For any individuals challenged by chronic pulmonary disease, the Breathe Free program can help. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help reduce symptoms and support better health and quality of life.

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How Can the Breathe Free Program Help With Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

This program helps improve pacing and energy conservation to support daily activity and reduce shortness of breath through the following methods:

  • A combination of breathing exercises and functional activities, with a focus on pacing and energy conservation. Education may include the use of a device and a structured pulmonary rehabilitation program.
  • An individualized approach to breathing and activity for those with chronic pulmonary disease, with clinical guidance to maintain fitness and support overall health.

Beyond Physical Therapy Treatment for Pulmonary Disease

If you have recently been diagnosed with Pulmonary Disease, or are worried it has been undiagnosed, contact your nearest Ivy Rehab Network clinic for an evaluation. Our friendly and skilled therapists offer a variety of therapy options to help patients manage the disease and continue their favorite activities. Support for lung disease can include daily strategies and guidance on weight and fitness to improve health.

1Nhlbi.nih.gov. (2020). COPD Learn More Breathe Better® | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). [online] Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/copd-learn-more-breathe-better [Accessed 13 Feb. 2020].

FAQs

Can pulmonary rehabilitation reduce symptoms like shortness of breath?

Yes. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help reduce symptoms, including shortness of breath, by improving breathing techniques, fitness, and tolerance for daily activities.

Do respiratory therapists participate in pulmonary rehabilitation?

In some settings, respiratory therapists may be part of the care team and support education and clinical procedures as needed.

How does pulmonary rehabilitation improve quality of life?

By helping you maintain daily routines, build fitness safely, and develop practical strategies for pacing and energy conservation, pulmonary rehabilitation can support better health and quality of life.

What is included in a pulmonary rehabilitation program?

A pulmonary rehabilitation program may include education, breathing exercises, a structured exercise program, and functional activities focused on daily pacing and energy conservation. Some plans may also include guidance on using a device.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation, and who can benefit?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a clinical approach that helps people with lung disease improve health and quality of life. Many people benefit if they experience shortness of breath or have chronic pulmonary disease.

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Excel Physical Therapy4.9
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Tomorrow will be second session at Ivy rehab. Heather was assigned to me and she is awesome. She took her time during intake to go over my goals and where I want to be at the end of my treatment. Everyone was great and I highly recommend Ivy Rehab
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Midlothian – Swift Creek
The entire staff is wonderful. Ebony is the sweetest. She was always so kind and welcoming when we arrived to our appointments. Johnathan, Josh, Christian and Aaron were amazing also. Johnathan was our main therapist. He was exceptional. Johnathan explained the entire process to us and was always available to answer any questions we may have. 💯 satisfaction. Thank you!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield
I had wonderful experience with the two best therapists, Dr. Brian Guardado and Dr. Brian Karl. They both are very knowledgeable and very caring, gave all the cares I needed for my fractured lower leg. I cannot express my gratitude enough to thank both of them. Awesome staffs and awesome therapists, I will recommend this place to anyone who comes across me. Best wishes to Savanna for her upcoming PT program.
Response from the owner:It's always wonderful to hear such kind feedback , we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Indian Trail
I went in for a knee injury that was preventing me from playing soccer. I ended up with Werner as my PT. He evaluated me and listened to my concerns. My first goal was to get back to kicking the ball, and my second goal was to avoid surgery. Werner took both of those seriously, and after 11 sessions, I can kick the ball again without any pain. Werner put together an effective plan that was part strengthening and part table work. He's awesome and I highly recommend him. I have to say that the entire staff at the Hackensack location is awesome. Everyone is super friendly and attentive and really knows what they're doing. They all take a sports-based approach to PT which I really appreciate. I think this is the big reason why I can kick the ball again and stay active. The facility is clean and well-equipped. Tables are always wiped down and prepared for the next patient. There's a separate room where more of the dynamic therapy happens (in my case, a little 1v1 with Werner and sometimes Cosimo, another amazing PT). Overall, great results.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Hackensack
Anvi and Ian have you have extremely helpful in my goal to a successful wellness. I am a work in progress and will continue on my journey to being 💯. Thank you both for the tips, support, kindness, and being a skilled professional. I also appreciate your team assistants. They Rock for sure! Thank you again! Halimah 🌻 🧡
Response from the owner:It’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Philadelphia – Center City
WHAT A GREAT TEAM AT IVY REHAB! Had a hip replaced in late August 2022. Went to ivy and found i had truly made the right decision. Their staff is understanding of pain levels, exercise tolerance and necessity of treatment-beyond that, they also focus toward recovery and quality of life. I don't think I could have made a better choice. Great thanks to the ivy team!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Kokomo!
This place is outstanding. They were able to fit my rehab into my busy work schedule. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. I was able to recover from my injury much faster than I expected. I would recommend this place in a heartbeat.
Lovely people, highly skilled and knowledgeable. Always a pleasure to work with their team. Their office is also a great location, just inside of Northern Dutchess Hospital. Their staff is highly knowledgeable and skilled. Keith & Molly are superb. Mike is always helpful too. I always leave feeling better and with a smile on my face. Just be prepared to walk into a very active small room. People are all around exercising but the staff manages it well. Don’t get overwhelmed by it. Just check in on the kiosk, and ask the front desk for help.
Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Rhinebeck
I cannot recommend this facility highly enough. I went there on my wife’s lead after she went for hip therapy. I went for knee soreness/weakness. The thing which impressed so much is their adaptability and creativity. I went for about 25 sessions and NEVER did the same session twice. They crafted the workout based on how I was feeling that day. They always kept it fresh which kept me engaged. As a result of their therapy, the knee got better and I’ve played golf, carrying my bag, relatively pain free. Steve and Matt are excellent and they create a fantastic environment in which to rehab. I hope I don’t need their expertise again, but if I do, this will be my place of choice. Keep up the great work, guys, and Emily! And thanks for all you did!
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Blue Bell – South
Ivy rehab gave me full range of motion after my knee replacement with gentle, persistant work and encouragement. I am very grateful to Kevin at Ivy and that my orthopedic surgeon specifically recommended them.
The entire staff was so welcoming and very professional. Thank you for making me feel comfortable . Shout out to the ladies at the front desk, Kida and Sheniyah My physical therapist, AK, professional and knowledgeable! It’s just a great atmosphere!
Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us, thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Naperville
I loved 🥰💝💋💖💞💗💓❣️it hear my oldest son Alphonso Dwight wynn jr he loves it to some times he loves showing off and playing with the other children
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy, West Chester Township
I love ABC PEDIATRIC THERAPY everyone is so nice. Mine daughter loves it there and I also love it too. Everyone is helpful and respectful. They show how Happy they are for my children growth which is my #1 goal
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – Beavercreek
In March of 2018 I was diagnosed with male breast cancer that has been certified as 9-11 related. On April 17th 2018 I had a double mastectomy to remove the cancerous tumors from my chest. My arms and chest were totally immobile and swollen. As the swelling subsided I desperately wanted to get my range of motion back. I am a triathlete and an avid golfer and bowler. Thinking that I was never going to be able to perform those sports like I did before my surgery was depressing and always in the back of my mind. But instead of waiting around to see how it all turned out I decided to take action. I sought the help of Excel Physical Therapy. They have a great reputation and a local office in my town of Oakland. I met with Jeff Ziegler whom I knew from the Triathlon world in the area. I chose him because he being an athlete understood my concerns. After working with Jeff for about 6 weeks I was able to attend my annual golf trip and play multiple rounds pain free. Not only that but I’m now training for a triathlon and bowling twice a week in my bowling leagues. I even bowled a perfect game in November. Something I thought would never happen again. I can’t thank Jeff and Excel enough for getting me back to my pre surgery days. They truly understand the athlete in every one of us.
I went to this clinic for knee pain stemming from running and biking and used New York's 30-day rule to get started quickly. They diagnosed me with PFPS and IT band issues and created a home therapy plan with a wide range of exercises. Scheduling was super convenient, and the staff was very responsive. After two months, I am on my way to being pain-free! Megan and Amelia were especially helpful—they listened to my concerns, provided valuable stretching and foam rolling tips, and helped me understand the muscle imbalances contributing to my pain. The environment was very comfortable, and their gym was spacious, so I never had to wait for equipment. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone in the area!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy, Brooklyn – Williamsburg
I met with a physical therapist yesterday his name is Joshua Zajac He was very professional about explaining what is needed to get my condition better his patience was extremely helpful I'm looking forward to working with him to back 💯
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Norfolk – Granby
Ivy Rehab is a blessing to our family. My son has worked with several of their wonderful occupational therapists, and the care has been life changing for him. The improvement in his articulation has made leaps and bounds, since he has started. The staff has been amazingly helpful with paperwork. Highly recommend this practice.
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Virginia Beach – General Booth
My recent experience at Excel Physical therapy in Westfield was excellent! The personal attention I received made all the difference in my recovery from a trapped nerve /neck issue . My Physical Therapist, Aaron, was outstanding and his commitment and dedication to successful outcomes for his patients was very evident as he helped me to not lose hope for improvement . He has an amazing knowledge of the human anatomy and he often explained how the muscles and nerves work together and provided me with so many "tools" that I could use at home and at work to aid my recovery and prevent further injury. In addition, Aaron's upbeat energy and sense of humor made coming to therapy something I looked forward to and will miss now that I have recovered! Special shout out to Josh who led me through my exercises with patience and kindness . The entire staff that I worked with, ( Christian, Leah, and Ebony) were very friendly and professional. I highly recommend the team at Excel in Westfield!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield
Our daughter loves it here. Maria works so well with her! She is always so excited to walk in and see her and gets mad when she has to leave. She has been improving so much at home and we feel Maria is a big part of that.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – Cincinnati – Red Bank Road
Two months after my foot fracture I was still finding it very difficult to walk and I searched for the physical therapy center close to my home. I was delighted with Excel physical therapy and chose to have Catherine as my physiotherapist after reading good reviews about her. I felt better at the very first session – 50% of the stiffness that follows a fracture was gone! I am now having treatment for my hips and my back and hoping for the same excellent results.
Response from the owner:Thanks, Cathy! We are so glad you chose Excel PT.
I love my Ivy team in Moorestown. They care, and they really listen to their patients. They developed a physical therapy campaign for me that increases strength, balance, and confidence. The staff is wonderfully kind and intelligent.
Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us, thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Moorestown