Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a 6-8 week exercise and education program. It includes regular exercise and lessons to help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage your disease from day to day.

Why it’s good for you

Research shows this program is one of the best ways to improve your life¹. It can help you:

• Increase your exercise capacity
• Reduce your symptoms, such as breathlessness and fatigue
• Stay well and avoid the need to go to the hospital.

Pulmonary rehabilitation makes everyday activities like showering, doing laundry, walking or gardening easier, so you can do more on your own. Exercise is a big part of the program and helps you make it part of your daily routine.

You’ll also learn how to manage your lung disease or lung cancer better, including tips for breathlessness, how your medications work and how to take them, nutrition, coping strategies and how to save your energy.

It’s also a great way to meet people who understand what you’re going through. You can make new friends, stay active and feel more connected.

What to expect

These programs are for people with mild, moderate or severe lung disease or lung cancer, and who experience breathlessness. 

Most programs run for 6-8 weeks, with 2 exercise and education sessions each week. Before you start, a health professional will ask about your condition and have you do different exercises. Based on how you go, they’ll create a personalised exercise plan. They might also give you exercises to do at home. The program may also provide information sessions to help you manage your condition.

How to join

You might need a referral from your doctor, specialist or other healthcare professional to attend pulmonary rehabilitation. Some health services let you sign up for yourself. Check our resource list to find a program near you.

Resources

Pulmonary rehabilitation factsheet

Better living with exercise guide

COPE: COPD online patient education

Sources

1. Alison, J. A., McKeough, Z. J., Johnston, K., et al. (2017). Australian and New Zealand Pulmonary Rehabilitation Guidelines. Respirology, 22(4), 800-819.