What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation (or PR for short) is one of the best treatments for COPD. It can teach you how to manage your condition and can improve your everyday life through a combination of education and exercise.1,2

 

What happens at a PR session?

You’ll usually do your PR sessions in small groups of around 8 to 16 patients. The sessions take place twice a week and run for around 2 hours each. The course usually lasts for 6 to 8 weeks in total and takes place somewhere locally, like a hospital, community hall or a leisure centre.1,2

At each PR session you’ll spend about half the time taking part in some gentle exercise. You won’t need to worry; this will be carefully designed to provide the right level of activity for you.1,2 The course organisers may also give you exercises you can take away and do comfortably at home.3

90% of patients who complete a PR programme have higher activity and exercise levels, and have a better quality of life than those who do not complete a PR programme.4

What else will I learn from PR?

You will also receive health and lifestyle support, such as how to:1-3

Use breathing techniques such as pursed-lips breathing or yoga

Clear mucus from your lungs, manage a chest infection or flare-up

Be more positive about exercise, eat healthily and stop smoking

Manage stress or low mood

PR can help you to feel better, more confident and in control through being able to understand and manage your COPD, and by meeting other people in a similar situation.2

What happens after I finish the course?

After you’ve completed your course, it’s important to carry on exercising regularly, stay active and use the techniques you’ve learned to keep on getting the benefits from PR.1

To find out if PR is right for you, please talk to your medical team. You might find it useful to write down any questions you have before you speak to someone, using your handy discussion list.

Want to discuss this topic in your next appointment?

Add this to your discussion list as a handy reminder to discuss this with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist at your next appointment.

References

  1. Asthma + Lung UK. What are the treatments for COPD? Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/what-are-treatments-copd
  2. Asthma + Lung UK. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/keeping-active/pulmonary-rehabilitation
  3. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Pulmonary rehabilitation. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/pulmonary-rehabilitation
  4. NHS. Pulmonary rehabilitation. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/clinical-policy/respiratory-disease/pulmonary-rehabilitation/