Pulmonary Health Services

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Break the Cycle

Many adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases feel they must live with limitations resulting from shortness of breath. The goal of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Greenville Memorial Hospital is to help patients to improve their breathing and break the cycle of inactivity. Through education and exercise, patients improve daily living routines, feel better about themselves, and function more independently. Greenville Hospital System has one of the most comprehensive pulmonary programs in the Upstate with expertise in all subspeciality areas. The GHS Lung Center is the outpatient multidisciplinary clinic for pulmonary patients.

Improve Quality of Life

We cannot cure respiratory disease. However, by implementing the information and exercises we offer in our program, patients can lead more active lives. Our education classes teach patients about pulmonary disease and ways to live with it. Patients work one-on-one with members of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation team, including respiratory therapists and exercise specialists, to develop an individual program.

The first phase of the program is devoted to:

  • Education on the patients disease
  • Breathing exercises and panic control
  • Medications and the care of equipment
  • Training on how to walk effectively and breathe while climbing and descending stairs
  • Importance of diet in managing respiratory disease
  • Effective methods of coughing and how to better remove secretions from the lungs through bronchial drainage and percussion techniques

The next phase focuses on exercise and endurance training. Our patients and their families are surprised to learn that those suffering from respiratory diseases can exercise effectively. Our closely monitored program starts all patients with a low-intensity workout that includes weights, elastic bands, floor exercises, treadmills, and stationary bikes. The intensity is gradually increased until they are able to do a 30-minute floor rotation and up to 30 minutes on the bike and treadmill. Upon completion of our program, patients are able to carry out a two-hour total workout without need of constant monitoring.

A Life-Changing Experience

As patients begin to exercise and meet others with similar diseases, they feel better about themselves and are motivated to continue. Feelings of accomplishment and the support received from others enable them to push themselves to higher limits.

Our staff works individually with patients, getting to know more about them, their family, and home environment, and we tailor the program to meet individual needs.

Our goal is for patients to continue their regimen upon completion of the program. Life Center Life & Conditioning Club memberships are available at a reduced fee to participants. Upon joining the Life Center, patients who have completed the program are welcome to come back and join in the exercise sessions with new classes.

Admission

The GMH Pulmonary Rehabilitation program is open to any patient who suffers from a disease such as (but not limited to) asthma, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, or pulmonary fibrosis. A doctors referral is required for admission.

Although the program is supervised by the Pulmonary Rehabilitation medical director, patients remain under their regular physicians care. Patients in the program do not have to change doctors. With a physicians referral, the program is covered by Medicare and most insurance companies.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Greenville Hosptial System also offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

For more information, talk to your doctor or call the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at (864) 455-1540