Breathing is something most people take for granted — but when you have lung disease, every breath you take can be a challenge. Pulmonary rehabilitation can help you understand your disease, control your symptoms and improve your ability to breathe.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
Through education, exercise and breath retraining, we can help you make the most of every breath. Pulmonary rehabilitation may help you increase the quality of your life and reduce hospital visits.

Conditions we treat

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Pre- and post-lung transplant
• Other lung conditions

Treatments we offer

• Education:  You’ll learn more about the nature of your disease, the respiratory system, medication use, time and energy conservation, relaxation, avoiding irritants and warning signs you should watch for. The more you know the more you can manage your disease and control your symptoms. 
•  Exercise:  When an activity makes you short of breath, you may stop doing that activity. But inactivity leads to weak, or deconditioned, muscles. Weak muscles use more oxygen. Soon, you experience shortness of breath with less activity. Exercise can help you strengthen muscles and improve your ability to breathe. 
•  Nutritional counseling: Many people with lung disease suffer from obesity or are underweight. We help you understand your body’s nutritional needs and how to maintain a healthy weight.  Adequate nutrition can boost your immunity, decrease disability and improve your overall well being.
•  Breath retraining:  While breathing may seem a natural or automatic process, you can improve the way you breathe. Singers, athletes and yoga practitioners have all experienced the difference proper breathing techniques can provide.
•  Psychosocial support: It can help to talk with others who understand your disease or experience similar problems. Our support group allows you to share your feelings or concerns, vent frustrations and learn additional coping strategies.

Customized treatment
Pulmonary rehabilitation requires a physician referral.  We will work with you and your physician to design a program that is right for you. Many insurance plans cover outpatient pulmonary services. For specific information about your benefit coverage, call your health plan or the employee benefits department at your workplace.

Contact us
For more information on pulmonary rehabilitation, call the location nearest you:

Edina
Fairview Southdale Hospital
6401 France Ave. S.
952-924-5080

Minneapolis
University of Minnesota Medical Center
Riverside campus
2450 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612-273-5709