The goal of Pulmonary Rehabilitation is to restore the fullest functional capacity possible for patients with chronic lung disease. This involves diagnostic testing, patient education, respiratory therapy and physical conditioning to minimize the effects of the disease.

If you have been diagnosed with a chronic lung disease, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fibrosis, emphysema, or sarcoidosis, our pulmonary rehabilitation center can help. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of education and exercise classes that teach you about you lungs, how to exercise or do other activities with less shortness of breath, and how to live better with your lung condition.

You'll learn more about topics such as stress management, nutrition, controlled breathing exercises, medication management, and self-care. The exercise classes will help you to be more active with less shortness of breath. Through these exercises you'll become stronger and feel better.

The program is broken down into three phases:

• Phase 1 - The first phase of the program includes an assessment interview and diagnostic testing.
• Phase 2 - During this phase, patients participate in six to ten weeks of outpatient therapy. Sessions last between one and two hours and are held three times per week.
• Phase 3 - Phase three is a maintenance program in which patients participate in supervised exercise, including strength and aerobic training. Patients may participate in this phase for as long as they wish.

Support Groups

Better Breathers' Club
This group is for anyone with a chronic condition, like COPD or asthma that affects breathing. Meetings are bi-monthly. Call (504) 456-5000 for dates and locations.

Sarcoidosis Support Group
Designed for those living with sarcoidosis, a chronic condition that often involves the lungs and causes difficulty breathing. Call (504) 454-4882 or (504) 454-5205 for meeting dates.

Contact Information

Phone: (504) 849-8790
EJ North, 7th Floor
4320 Houma Blvd.