Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Our pulmonary rehabilitation specialists make a customized plan for managing your lung disease so you can breathe more easily.

Request an Appointment

For Lung Services related requests:

1-319-356-8133

For all other requests:: 1-800-777-8442

Lung disease causes breathing problems and fatigue that can take a big toll on your quality of life. The UI Health Care pulmonary rehabilitation team teaches you how to breathe easier, feel better, and be more active.

Pulmonary rehabilitation can help you:

Decrease your symptoms
Function better during daily activities
Improve your ability to exercise
Maximize the effectiveness of your medications
Feel less tired

No matter what type of lung disease you have, we can help.

A truly personalized program

We know lung disease affects everyone differently. That’s why we’ll create a pulmonary rehabilitation program just for you, based on your unique needs, abilities, lifestyle, and goals.

While many pulmonary rehabilitation programs are simply group exercise classes and lectures, that’s not how we do it. We work with you one-on-one, so we can adjust your program as needed and give you exactly the information you want.

We measure your functional capabilities, quality of life, and other markers at the start and end of your program. That way, you can see— and celebrate—your progress.

Education and support

Your custom rehabilitation program will include:

Supervised exercise to improve your heart and muscle strength, increase your energy, and help you use oxygen more efficiently
Breathing exercises to increase your oxygen levels, and instructions for using supplemental oxygen, if needed
Nutrition counseling so you can reach and maintain a healthy weight
Strategies for managing the anxiety and depression that can result from living with chronic lung disease

Depending on your specific needs and goals, you might also learn about:

How to use your prescription inhaler most effectively
Clearing secretions or obstructions from your airway
How to avoid frequent respiratory infections or flare-ups
Methods and support to quit smoking
Ways to get better sleep

A built-in support group

Many people who come to our clinic enjoy meeting others who are on their own pulmonary rehabilitation journeys. Our patient surveys tell us that sharing tips and forming friendships is a valuable part of the experience.

The UI Health Care approach to pulmonary rehabilitation

Your pulmonary rehabilitation program can begin anytime.

If you’re a hospital inpatient for a lung transplant or other procedure, we’ll start working with you while you’re hospitalized.

If you’re referred to us by your pulmonologist or another provider, you’ll come to our clinic.

We meet you where you are

During your first session, we’ll talk with you about your condition, your symptoms, and—most important—your goals and priorities.

Our team will also help you do a brief exercise test that’s based on your abilities. It may be as simple as walking in the hallway for six minutes.

Your goals and test results help you and your team shape your personalized rehabilitation plan.

How long does pulmonary rehabilitation last?

The length of your rehab program is based on your specific needs and preferences. You can choose to come two or three times per week, for a total of either 24 or 36 sessions.

When you finish your sessions, you can decide how to continue. You may: