Pulmonary rehabilitation

Having a lung disease means you need to work harder than usual to breathe. Many chronic lung diseases can cause short and shallow breathing, and symptoms can progress to the point where simply getting dressed leaves you breathless. Your lungs need help to function better, and our rehabilitative specialists provide you with exercises and therapies to bring comfort to every breath.

Penn Medicine’s pulmonary rehabilitation experts have extensive experience designing treatment plans that fit your specific needs. You might need respiratory rehabilitation if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), lung cancer, or another lung disorder, or if you’ve had recent lung surgery like lung volume reduction or lung transplant surgery. Our rehab team personalizes your lung therapy, which includes supervised exercises, education, and ongoing support. Pulmonary rehab doesn’t cure lung diseases, but it can go a long way toward helping you breathe easier and enhance your quality of life, both physically and emotionally.

Penn Medicine’s pulmonary rehabilitation team is devoted to helping you build strength and stamina. We have board-certified pulmonologists, clinical exercise physiologists, and registered nurses who all work to help you meet your goals. Our rehab program has received national certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for achieving excellence in standards of care, including improvements in breathing and quality of life.

When you come to one of our pulmonary rehabilitation centers, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation and a personalized rehabilitation plan based on your medical needs and physical abilities. A registered respiratory therapist and other specialists also teach you to how to use oxygen therapy and lead you through breathing and relaxation techniques. You’ll receive education on medication management, nutrition, and stress relief, and you can consult with a certified diabetes educator if you have diabetes to improve all areas of your health.

We encourage you through every step and connect you with support groups to help your mental well-being. At the end of your program, our experts also show you how to safely continue your exercise plan so that you’ll have lasting benefits and go on to live your life to the fullest.

The Better Breathers Support Group is a free program offered by the Pulmonary Rehabilitation team at Chester County Hospital. It features educational presentations from healthcare professionals and offers support and connection for individuals living with chronic lung disease.