Our Patients Breathe Easier
They say life shouldn’t be measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away. While the message is meant to inspire, the words can sting for those who suffer from pulmonary illness.
Shortness of breath, or the feeling that you cannot get enough air, can be frightening. It can result from a number of different medical conditions and transform even the simplest activities into monumental challenges, from walking up a flight of stairs to doing the laundry. On the bright side, however, it’s also a problem that can be effectively managed, in many cases, through pulmonary rehabilitation, giving those afflicted renewed independence and a fuller, more active lifestyle.
Raritan Bay Medical Center’s (RBMC) Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed to help patients breathe easier. Under the medical direction of a board certified pulmonologist, our comprehensive outpatient service offers a uniquely personalized approach. Our program provides one-on-one rehabilitation with a respiratory therapist following a plan of care tailored to the patients’ particular needs and goals.
Who We Help
RBMC’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, operated by our Department of Respiratory Therapy, may help anyone who has difficulty breathing or experiences shortness of breath that interferes with daily activities. This includes individuals with the following conditions:
To participate in our program, you must be properly evaluated and referred by your physician, who can assess the potential benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation and work with us to provide the best possible care.
A Program Just for You
Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is dedicated to helping individuals understand their pulmonary disease, strengthen lung function, and ultimately enhance their enjoyment of life. Since we accommodate patients with a vast range of conditions, our service is flexible and personalized.
When you enter our program, you’ll team up with a licensed respiratory therapist to create a customized treatment plan that includes self-care education, physical reconditioning and maintenance planning.
Personalized Instruction
In order to manage your disease, you need to understand it first. One of our professionals will teach you everything you need to know about your medical condition and strategies for improving your health. You’ll discuss how to properly use your medication and respiratory equipment, when to see your doctor, the importance of exercise, energy conservation, stress and relaxation, and a host of other topics to facilitate positive changes in your lifestyle. Additionally, we’ll provide resources and referrals to help you address other aspects of your well-being, including nutrition, weight management, occupational therapy, physical therapy and behavioral health.
Physical Reconditioning
Our medically supervised program includes up to 18 weeks of aerobic and strength training, breathing exercises, symptom management training and relaxation techniques. Your sessions will be closely monitored by a respiratory therapist, and held in a dedicated gymnasium equipped with a treadmill, recumbent exerciser, free weights and other tools to help you safely increase your exercise tolerance and regain control of your breathing.
Planning Ahead
Finally, we’ll make sure you’re prepared to maintain the goals you’ve achieved. You’ll leave our program with a personalized exercise routine to follow at home as well as a library of knowledge on how to overcome your breathing challenges.
What You’ll Gain
Upon completion of the program, you’ll enjoy a multitude of benefits that improve your pulmonary health along with your quality of life:
Let’s Get Started
You will need a prescription from your physician to participate in RBMC’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Then a respiratory therapist will meet with you to discuss your needs and recommendations for your personalized rehabilitation, as well as anticipated outcomes. We’ll set up a convenient schedule at one of our locations, Old Bridge or Perth Amboy, and you’re ready to begin.
Most insurance plans cover pulmonary rehabilitation. Our staff will verify your benefits before enrolling you in the program.
If you struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or another condition that causes shortness of breath, ask your doctor if you could benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call our Department of Respiratory Therapy; Old Bridge at 732.360.4290 or Perth Amboy at 732.324.5108.
