Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary Rehabilitation at UVM Health

Developing healthy habits can make a big difference for people living with lung disease. At University of Vermont Health, our nationally recognized pulmonary rehabilitation program combines exercise, education and psychosocial support to strengthen your physical and emotional well-being.

Our certified pulmonary rehab specialists are always by your side to help you safely and comfortably learn how to breathe better. We empower you to take control of your health — and lungs — so you can be more active and improve your quality of life.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the largest pulmonary rehab programs in the region, we offer:

Team of experts: Your team is made up of doctors, physical and respiratory therapists and exercise physiologists specializing in pulmonary rehabilitation, ensuring you always receive careful monitoring from knowledgeable specialists.
Personalized program: Your personalized treatment plan is designed with your individual goals and needs in mind. We also offer several eight-week, multi-session programs throughout the year to help you get stronger and better manage your breathing.
State-of-the-art exercise facilities: Our rehab program provides you with access to a full range of cardio and weight training equipment to improve your strength, stamina, balance and flexibility. We provide onsite supplemental medical oxygen to help you conserve your own oxygen tanks.

Conditions We Treat

We offer pulmonary rehabilitation for individuals of all ages that have a hard time breathing due to a variety of lung conditions, including:

Asthma
Bronchiectasis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cystic fibrosis
Sarcoidosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary fibrosis
Interstitial lung disease
Lung cancer
Post-COVID-19 respiratory conditions

We provide both inpatient and outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation services to improve recovery and reduce post-surgical complications for patients who have undergone procedures such as:

Lung cancer surgery (resection)
Lung transplantation
Lung volume reduction surgery

What to Expect

Our pulmonary rehabilitation team will prepare an individualized treatment plan to help you get started. Components of the program include:

Medical Evaluation

Before you begin your rehab sessions, we will need results from a pulmonary function test, chest imaging and medication list from your referring provider. This information will help us assess your current disease status to customize a safe and effective rehabilitation plan for you. One of our specially trained physicians, respiratory therapists or physical therapists will conduct this initial evaluation.

Physical Activity

A primary goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to improve your lung health. We design a plan that includes walking, cycling, jogging, rowing or other aerobic exercise that you enjoy. You may also do strength training to improve your muscle and bone strength. During aerobic exercise sessions, our team continuously monitors your vital signs, from oxygen readings to heart rate and blood pressure, for your safety and comfort.

Lifestyle Education

Lifestyle habits play a big role in lung health. Pulmonary rehab includes an individualized plan of lifestyle changes that help reduce lung disease risk factors. Your plan may include recommendations for weight loss, smoking cessation, nutritional counseling and stress management.

Support

Throughout your rehab, you’ll find genuine support. Our team is with you every step of the way, and you’ll get to know other people who are also recovering from chronic and acute lung problems. A pulmonary rehabilitation program can help you work through any fears or worries as you find more motivation and energy to adopt an active lifestyle.

How Does Pulmonary Rehabilitation Improve Your Breathing?

Participating in a pulmonary rehab program can improve your respiratory symptoms and benefit your overall health and outlook on life by:

Reducing shortness of breath and other symptoms
Decreasing emergency room visits and hospitalizations
Increasing physical fitness under medical supervision
Developing a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise
Learning effective coping strategies to reduce depression and anxiety
Returning you to your normal activities of daily life
Reducing your need for medication and extra oxygen
Preventing your pulmonary condition from worsening

Patient Resources

COPD Foundation | Learn More, Take Action and Breathe Better: The COPD Foundation’s mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy, and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation | Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: Research, patient education and resources about Pulmonary Fibrosis.
American Thoracic Society (ATS) Live Better: Helpful resources about the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation.
American Lung Association: Education, advocacy, research and events about lung health.

Awards & Certifications

American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Since 2013, University of Vermont Medical Center’s pulmonary rehabilitation program has been certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). AACVPR is the premier national organization that evaluates pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Our certification, as well as our recognition as a provider of “best practice” care, highlights our dedication to comprehensive pulmonary rehab services that enhance your quality of life.