Pulmonary Rehabilitation

People who have lung disease often experience shortness of breath which can make simple activities such as walking, dressing, eating and performing household duties a difficult task. Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation program uses a team approach to help you reduce your shortness of breath, improve your ability to function and therefore improve your quality of life.

Pictured: Lynn Gatti Walton, RN, BSN, Program Director, leads an educational session with patients in our new dedicated classroom on the Salem campus.

Conditions treated:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Interstitial lung disease
• Lung cancer
• Hypoventilation syndromes
• Persistent asthma
• Pre/post lung transplant
• Pre/post thoracic surgery
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
• Restrictive chest wall disease

Our staff

• Patrick Weyer, M.D., NSPG Pulmonologist, and the Medical Director of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, has extensive expertise in pulmonary disease management.
• Lynn Gatti Walton, RN, BSN, cardiopulmonary nurse, serves as the Program Director.
• Specially trained clinicians including physical therapist, nurses, exercise physiologists, clinical counselor and registered dietitian round out our team.

Physician Referral required:

Physicians may enter a referral into EPIC for a patient to attend the program. Physicians not using epic can contact our office at 978.354.2996, to request our referral form.

Program Components

Education:

Learning about your disease and self-care skills can help you reduce your shortness of breath and improve your quality of life. Education topics include: how your lungs work, what is lung disease, oxygen therapy, breathing retraining, exercise guidelines, medications, healthy eating, energy conservation, environmental hazards, smoking cessation, and relaxation techniques.

Exercise:

Under the direct supervision of the program medical director, the team design a personalized program of aerobic exercise and muscle conditioning for each patient. Exercise sessions are closely monitored and include a cardiovascular aerobic workout, strength training and flexibility segments.

Nutrition:

• Patients' eating habits are reviewed and education is provided on ways to incorporate heart-healthy foods. Stress Management: We provide help with the emotional stresses common to patients with lung disease.
• Clinicians talk to patients to help them identify their stress patterns and assist them in incorporating strategies for reducing stress and supporting behavioral change.
• Since smoking is well known to be the primary risk factor for lung disease, support and education are provided by our clinicians to help with a smoking cessation program to reach the goal of becoming smoke-free.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Sessions

After careful evaluation by the team, an individual treatment plan will be established and tailored to meet your abilities and needs for you to achieve your goals. The team will also provide guidelines to help you follow your plan, including exercises and lifestyle changes, at home.

Most participants complete the program within 12 weeks, although the duration of the program varies according to your goals, your medical condition and your insurance coverage. Most participants attend sessions one to two times per week which include an exercise and education session.

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans cover the cost of our program when you have a qualifying diagnosis. Please check with your insurer regarding coverage for this and to find out if a co-pay or deductible is required.