Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Nearly everyone who completes our program -- which includes endurance exercise, strength training, and education -- will see an improvement in their activities of daily living including walking and stair-climbing. Many participants feel better as soon as the second week. As you get stronger and your breathing improves, depression and anxiety may also lessen. Studies show that learning to use your medical therapies properly and following an individualized exercise plan -- both of which we teach in pulmonary rehab -- reduce hospital admissions.

Shortness of Breath and Fatigue from Lung Disease
If you have shortness of breath and fatigue due to chronic lung disease, you may be a candidate for pulmonary rehabilitation. This is true even if you are in a wheelchair, on oxygen, or have other physical limitations. Pulmonary rehab won’t cure your disease or help you get off oxygen, but it can help you learn how to overcome shortness of breath and fatigue associated with exercise.

Improved Outcomes for People with COPD
Recent research has shown that people with COPD who participate in pulmonary rehabilitation benefit from improved fitness, better quality of life, and less shortness of breath. In addition, pulmonary rehabilitation after being in the hospital for COPD has been shown to reduce the risk of future hospitalizations and increase your life span.

Learn About COPD Treatments

Lung Transplant Candidates
All Duke candidates for lung transplant surgery are required to undergo pulmonary rehabilitation before and after lung transplant surgery. The program uses education, endurance exercise, strengthening, and counseling to help you prepare before you are placed on the lung transplant waitlist. Once you've been listed, we help condition your mind and body for surgery. After your lung transplant surgery, we help you recover,  manage your medications, and set you on the road to lifelong health and exercise.

Our pulmonary rehab programs in Raleigh and Durham are open to participants of all ages and all stages of lung disease. We offer a range of services, including the following:

• An individualized plan of care teaches you how to manage your illness, understand your oxygen needs, and use oxygen devices efficiently. 
• Personalized exercise programs focus on improving strength and endurance, and our monitoring and exercise equipment ensure a safe environment for exercising and measuring your progress. 
• Educational sessions are focused on nutrition, medical management, and breathing techniques.
• We offer psychosocial support services and smoking cessation counseling and can provide referrals as needed.