Pulmonary rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a programme for people with ongoing lung diseases
and breathing problems.1
2 min read
Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are based on personalised tests, so exercise
training, education, and behaviour changes can be tailored around you.2
What is the goal of pulmonary rehabilitation?
The goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to improve your physical and mental wellbeing with techniques which can be continued after your programme.2
Following pulmonary rehabilitation, people with interstitial lung disease have improved their quality of life and overcome breathing difficulties.3-5
Is pulmonary rehabilitation suitable for me?
If scleroderma causes you lung problems, or you suffer from interstitial lung disease, then pulmonary rehabilitation may help you to overcome breathing difficulties.1,6
However, if scleroderma affects other parts of your body, such as your skin, joints or muscles, you may be better suited to other treatments.6
Your specialist team will only prescribe pulmonary rehabilitation or training exercises if they are suitable for you.
What does pulmonary rehabilitation include?
Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are made up of various elements based on your individual needs and mobility.
Below are a few common examples of features which can make up a pulmonary rehabilitation programme:7
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Exercise training: These techniques can boost your energy levels so you feel more able to complete daily tasks. You may learn how to carry out these tasks in a more practical way.
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Breathing exercises: Simple techniques to help control your breathing.
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Scleroderma education: Information on scleroderma, including how it might affect your life, dealing with symptoms, and understanding the medications you are taking.
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Techniques to save your energy: You may learn ways to avoid movements which make it harder to breathe, such as reaching, lifting, or bending.
Other components may include; emotional wellbeing support, nutrition classes, relaxation, and help to quit smoking if you are a smoker.
What is a rehabilitation team?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is carried out by a dedicated team which may include;
physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, nurses, psychologists, behavioural specialists,
exercise physiologists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, and social workers.7
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Your rehabilitation team will create a pulmonary rehabilitation programme based on your individual needs.2
Where does pulmonary rehabilitation take place?
Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes can take place in a group setting which can be carried out in a hospital, but often take place in community halls, leisure centres or health centres.2 These programmes can be enjoyable and offer support by allowing you to connect with other people sharing similar experiences.8
Alternatively, Boehringer Ingelheim have partnered with Siel Bleu to make exercise and breathing techniques more accessible to people around the world.
Pulmonary Fibrosis & Me’ online programme
What should I do after completing a pulmonary rehabilitation programme?
Many programmes promote long-term practices to help you maintain the benefits you have gained over time. It is important to continue these techniques even after finishing your pulmonary rehabilitation programme.2
Ask your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation; it could have a positive impact on your quality of life.2
You may also like to read:
Mindfulness
Support
Treatment
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Nici L, Donner C, Wouters E, et al. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Statement on Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006;173:e1390–413.
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Spruit MA, Singh SJ, Garvey C, et al. An O"cial American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Statement: Key Concepts and Advances in Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Am J Respir Crit Care
Med. 2013;188:e13–64. -
Dowman L, Hill CJ, Holland AE. Pulmonary rehabilitation for interstitial lung disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;10:CD006322.
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Nakazawa A, Cox NS, Holland AE. Current best practice in rehabilitation in interstitial lung disease. Ther Adv Respir Dis. 2017;11(2):115–128.
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Ryerson CJ, Cayou C, Topp F, et al. Pulmonary rehabilitation improves long-term outcomes in interstitial lung disease: A prospective cohort study. Respir Med. 2014;108(1):203–210.
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Ho!mann-Vold AM, Allanore Y, Bendstrup E, et al. The need for a holistic approach for SSc-ILD – achievements and ambiguity in a devastating disease. Respir Res. 2020;21:197.
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US NLM, NIH, MedlinePlus. Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Path to Breathing Better Infographic. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/pulmonaryrehabilitation.html [Accessed May 2022].
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Halding AG, Wahl A, Heggdal K. ‘Belonging’. ‘Patients’ experiences of social relationships during pulmonary rehabilitation. Disabil Rehabil. 2010; 32(15): 1272–80.
PC-CRP-100312 | May 2022
"Scleroderma and pulmonary involvement show me how good it is to be alive, how good it is to wake up in the morning and breathe. We do this every day and we don't value it, and I value it a lot more now."
– Rute