Ask the Doctor: Are You a Candidate for Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Are you short of breath? Do you have a lingering or constant cough? Do you have a history of lung problems? Did you ever smoke? The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, may be able to help and offers patients an educational and supportive program monitored by trained medical professionals.

Nutritionists, physical therapists, and licensed clinical respiratory care personal form a team dedicated to better breathing through pulmonary rehabilitation. The Program is designed to aid people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (C.O.P.D.), such as Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiectasis, Cystic Fibrosis, and Long COVID, to help improve exercise tolerance, decreases dyspnea and improves quality of their life measures.

Arthur Pacia, MD, Pulmonary Disease and Director, Pulmonary Rehabilitation at RWJUH Hamilton explains the overall goal and benefit of Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the components and individualized treatment plans available at RWJUH Hamilton. "The program is far better than any other C.O.P.D. therapy," adds Dr. Pacia.

What Are the Components of Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

The components of pulmonary rehabilitation are evaluation, exercise and education. Each component is designed to help you breathe easier, and maintain and improve the quality of your life.

Evaluation

The gathering of appropriate medical information is essential in assessing the extent of your disease, in goal setting and in designing your personalized program. Upon your first visit, an individual assessment is performed to help plan your customized program and tailor your rehabilitation goals. Staff will also work with your personal physician to obtain information.

Exercise

Along with education, you will also participate in an individually tailored exercise program designed to help you increase your tolerance for daily activities.

Education

Educational topics related to your individual needs will be discussed and reinforced at each session. Our aim is to aid you in using the tools available that will allow you to live more comfortably within your breathing limitations. Nutritional counseling, stress management and pharmaceutical support is also available.

Sessions

Patients will attend 36 education/exercise sessions, lasting one (1) hour, 2 times a week. Upon completion of all the components of your monitored pulmonary rehabilitation program at RWJUH Hamilton, you will have the option of continuing rehabilitation in the Supervised Program.

How Do You Enter the Program?

You can:

• Discuss your needs with a pulmonologist or your primary care provider to determine if pulmonary rehabilitation will benefit you and your condition.
• Your provider can refer you to the program and will continue to be a part of your care team.
• RWJUH Hamilton's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team, consisting of Certified Respiratory Therapists, can help coordinate your admittance, which is dependent upon necessary medical requirements.
• RWJUH Hamilton's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program center is located inside the hospital, located at 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton, NJ 08690.

To make an appointment or more information, please call our Pulmonary Rehabilitation specialists at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, 609-689-7086. We will be glad to answer your questions.