Pulmonary Rehabilitation is an exercise and education program that can benefit patients with lung disease, including asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema, interstitial lung disease (ILD), and pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary rehabilitation may also be recommended before and/or after lung surgery. Whether caused by smoking, occupational, environmental or genetic factors, pulmonary conditions can be debilitating, leaving people chronically short of breath. Routine activities are often a daily challenge.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Lung Center helps individuals with respiratory problems return to a more active lifestyle through exercise and education. Our comprehensive outpatient program is nine to 11 weeks in length with up to 18 group sessions. Conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprised of pulmonary physicians and respiratory therapists who work alongside other specialists as needed, the program increases independent functioning and improves quality of life. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is located at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain.
Learn more about the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.
Education
Patient education is essential to providing patients with the tools they need to feel empowered and confident to better manage their condition. Education topics include but are not limited to:
- Medications
- Travelling
- Anatomy and physiology
- Energy conservation
- Breathing techniques
- Nutrition
- Oxygen therapy
- Stress management
- Exercise Training
Exercise programs are tailored to each individual's fitness level and capabilities and are designed to improve flexibility, strength and cardiopulmonary endurance by incorporating:
- Stretching to improve muscular flexibility and range of motion.
- Strength training to improve upper and lower body muscular strength through the use of free weights.
- Aerobic training to improve overall fitness through a combination of treadmill, stationary cycle, NuStep, and upper body ergometer exercise.
Transitional Program
After graduating from the program, patients who are eligible may return and exercise on an independent basis at no cost for a three-month period of time. Learn more about the transition program.
Make an Appointment
Upon receipt of a referral, pulmonary rehabilitation staff will contact the patient to discuss the program and set up an appointment. Individuals who are interested in obtaining more information about the program can call (617) 983-7549.
Refer a Patient
Practitioners can download our referral form and fax it to us at (617) 983-7853 along with the patient's latest office note and most recent pulmonary function tests. You can also call the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program directly at (617) 983-7549.
Learn more about referring patients, including pre-enrollment evaluations, testing and our checklist.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Team
Respiratory Therapists
- Priscilla E. Perruzzi, RRT
- Joelle Hochman, RRT
Patient Resources
Access the Air Quality Index (AQI) to check on the air quality in your location.
Learn more about your condition, smoking cessation or current research through these additional pulmonary resources for patients.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Diseases and Conditions
Location
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is located at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital at 1153 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. Validated valet parking and our first floor location provide easy accessibility for patients.
