Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Norwalk Hospital

After a thorough evaluation of your medical history, physical condition and exercise capacity, you’ll attend exercise training two to three times a week for up to 36 sessions. Your exercise regimen will be tailored to your individual situation. 

Exercise training is designed to strengthen your back, arms and legs, as well as the muscles you use to breathe. Exercise can also help you build stamina and flexibility, making it easier to do everyday tasks and the things you enjoy.  

At each session, your oxygen level, blood pressure and heart rate are carefully monitored so you can exercise safely. If you need supplemental oxygen, you can use it.

At pulmonary rehabilitation, you’ll also learn about breathing techniques, medication management, nutrition, oxygen use, and tips on how to perform everyday tasks with less shortness of breath.  

When you enroll in our pulmonary rehabilitation program, you’ll work with a team of respiratory experts whose aim is to help you achieve your personal goals and:

• Improve your physical condition by increasing energy, strength, endurance and exercise
• Enhance your ability to perform everyday activities
• Learn to control symptoms by understanding proper use of medications, including supplemental oxygen
• Reduce the need for emergency department visits and hospital admissions

Two things are needed to enroll in our pulmonary rehabilitation program: 

• A prescription from your doctor
• An in-person evaluation by our staff to ensure you meet the criteria for the program

Once we receive a referral from your doctor, we’ll contact you to set up the necessary appointments:

• Pulmonary function tests: If you’ve already completed these breathing tests within the last year, we can accept these results if you authorize their release to us
• Consultation with our board-certified physician who specializes in pulmonary medicine to go over your health history and goals for participating in the program
• Evaluation by a registered respiratory therapist (RRT), during which you’ll complete a questionnaire and a six-minute walk evaluation

Yes, coverage is provided by Medicare and private insurance if you qualify for our pulmonary rehabilitation program based on the symptoms of your chronic lung disease. Please check with your insurer, however, about any deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance you may be responsible for.

If you’d like to continue exercising in a supervised setting after you complete our 36-session pulmonary rehabilitation program, we offer a maintenance program that can be scheduled at your convenience. Please note that the maintenance program is not covered by  insurance. Simply contact our respiratory therapist to set up your maintenance appointments.