Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Southern Ohio Medical Center is designed to help people who have chronic lung problems such as COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, and care for patients after having COVID. Pulmonary rehab may also be helpful for people who have had thoracic (chest) surgery.

What does Pulmonary Rehab involve?

The Pulmonary Rehab program offers education and supervised exercise sessions that are designed to enable participants to be more in control of their respiratory symptoms and improve exercise tolerance. Through a team of health professionals, pulmonary rehab provides the participant and family with information and support to meet the day to day challenges of living with a chronic lung disorder. Participants meet three days a week for eight weeks.

After completing the program, a maintenance exercise program (Phase III) is available to allow you to continue your exercise in the comfort and security of the SOMC LIFE Center.

How can I get started with Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

You will need an order from your physician to begin Pulmonary Rehab. If your physician decides that you are an appropriate candidate for rehab, your medical insurance plan may cover a percentage of the cost of the program.

Once you are referred to Pulmonary Rehab, you will begin an individualized period of testing and evaluation to design your personal exercise program. If current results are not available, additional tests may be recommended including pulmonary function and exercise tolerance.