Rehabilitation Services
Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Although several rehabilitation programs take place at TMC’s off-site Rehabilitation Clinic, Pulmonary Rehabilitation takes place at the hospital.

Pulmonary rehab is an area of healthcare that is dedicated to the care and encouragement of people with lung problems. It is a preventative healthcare program provided by a team of professionals to help people cope physically, psychologically and socially with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Over 30 million Americans suffer from a pulmonary disease.

At TMC, the 12 –18 week program is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. It combines physical reconditioning, re-training patients’ breathing skills and group support. The length of time patients should participate in the pulmonary rehab program depends on the severity of their injuries or lung problems.

Pulmonary rehab programs include education and exercise, and the exercise portion of the program is the key to the overall management of COPD. Exercise programs include aerobic exercise and strength training.

Common Diagnoses include:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Emphysema
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Asthma (chronic)
• Pneumoconiosis

Programs include:

• Treadmill exercise
• Education
• Stationary bike
• Arm Ergometer
• NuStep
• Oxygen saturation measurements
• Oxygen administration to keep saturation levels at 88% or above
• Free weights

Patients exercise on treadmills, arm ergometer, NuStep, stationary bikes and participate in weight training, but the program is not cardio exercise. The difference between cardio and pulmonary rehab is that cardio is working to strengthen the heart. In pulmonary, patients work to strengthen the lungs. The focus is on the duration of the exercise here rather than the intensity.

This program has been available at TMC since March 2004.