Pulmonary Rehab
We understand if you have a chronic respiratory problem, shortness of breath may be frightening, frustrating and limiting.
When your breathing has changed, your entire lifestyle and well-being may be affected. Pulmonary rehabilitation at Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas is a program for people with chronic lung conditions like COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. This program is a medically supervised, progressive exercise and education program designed to help you take charge of your breathing. The purpose of the program is to help patients overcome the fear of being short of breath and restore the highest possible functional capacity.
Next Steps
Join Our Program
If you have a breathing problem, discuss the program with your primary care provider (PCP). To be eligible, you must have a referral for pulmonary rehabilitation from your PCP.
Find a Doctor
Don't have a primary care provider? Get connected to care with Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas.
Goals of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- To decrease respiratory symptoms and complications like shortness of breath
- To encourage self management and control over daily functioning
- To improve physical conditioning and exercise performance
- To reduce the need for hospitalization and medical cost
- To improve emotion well being and self-esteem
- To improve quality of life
- To develop healthy habits
Who can benefit from Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a service that is designed for individuals with breathing problems and lung disorders such as:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Bronchiectasis
- Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Lung Cancer and Lung Cancer Surgery
- Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
- Before and After Lung Transplantation
Team Approach to Pulmonary Rehab
We have a team of experienced healthcare professionals on your side. At Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas, our pulmonary rehab programs include a team of healthcare providers such as a pulmonologist, registered respiratory therapists, registered nurses, and an exercise physiologist, who work together to provide you with the best care possible.
- A primary care provider prescribes pulmonary rehabilitation and remains involved.
- A respiratory therapist participates in the training and education. They explain the therapeutic values of exercise and design a conditioning program. They also teach bronchial hygiene and the use of respiratory equipment and oxygen.
- A dietitian, or member of the pulmonary rehabilitation team provides information on nutrition in chronic lung disease.
- A healthcare professional will perform a psychosocial assessment to help identify a patients' needs that are not currently addressed.
What to Expect:
Education, physical conditioning, and training take place during one-hour sessions either two or three days a week, over a 12-18 week period. Our goal is to return you to the highest possible level of independent living.
Exercise
Exercise can improve the function of your heart and lungs while strengthening the muscles that are used for breathing which will help to decrease your shortness of breath. It is common for people who experience shortness of breath to limit their physical activities because they are fearful of becoming more short of breath - but when you are inactive, the strength of your muscles, lungs, and heart decline. Exercise is an essential part of pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehab helps you pursue activities to the fullest extent of your abilities and helps maintain physical fitness and regain control of your breathing. Exercise training may include walking, stationary bicycling, resistance training; breathing training, relaxation techniques, and energy conservation for many daily activities is also addressed.
Education
Education about chronic lung disease and self management of the symptoms that accompany breathing problems for both the patient and their family or caregiver is provided. Education may include one-on-one teaching, written materials or group classes. Videos and other visual aids may also be used. Teaching sessions with a healthcare provider are very important and will provide you with information about your specific medications, treatments and self-management skills.
Nutrition
Nutrition and weight management is important for people with chronic lung disease. Shortness of breath and fatigue can interfere with your ability to eat a balanced diet and the amount and type of food can cause increased shortness of breath. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation staff can offer practical suggestions for healthy nutrition, food selection and preparation.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Highpoint Health – Sumner is in operation on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM and is in operation on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 AM to 3:30PM; in order to participate you must obtain a referral from your physician.
Our Locations
Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas
Diagnostic Imaging Services
555 Hartsville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066
615.328.5096
Highpoint Health – Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas
131 Hospital Drive, Suite 1000
Carthage, TN 37030
615.735.5183
Highpoint Health – Winchester with Ascension Saint Thomas
185 Hospital Road
Winchester, TN 37398
931.967.8200