Pulmonary rehabilitation

About our service

‘Keep Active, Breathe Better’ (Pulmonary/Heart Failure Rehabilitation) is a programme of exercise, education and support designed for those with lung conditions and/or Heart Failure.

The aim of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme is to increase your fitness while helping you to control your breathing.  This will make your body more efficient at using oxygen and, in turn, make you less short of breath. As a result, you will feel more comfortable moving around and being physically active, which has important health benefits. 

This programme cannot reverse your lung condition, but it aims to make your body better able to cope with it.

Our expertise

Pulmonary/Heart Failure Rehabilitation is a 6 week programme. We meet twice a week for a maximum of two hours each session.

• You will work with a Physiotherapist and an Assistant Practitioner, who will help you improve your physical condition and show you how to manage your lung/heart condition so that you stay as healthy and active as possible.
• An individual Exercise Programme will be prescribed for you, it will be gentle at first and will gradually progress as you feel more able.
• There will be a Home Exercise Plan for you to follow.

At Pulmonary/Heart Failure Rehabilitation, you will also learn about:

• Breathing techniques
• Chest clearance
• Medications
• Mental wellbeing
• Pacing and energy conservation
• Management of flare ups
• How to do everyday tasks with less shortness of breath

You will also learn how to cope with the changes that sometimes come with a Lung Condition/ Heart Failure such as: Depression, feelings of anxiety, panic, frustration and embarrassment.

Once you have completed Pulmonary/Heart Failure Rehabilitation you will be given an opportunity to continue with your exercise in the community to help you keep active.

How to use the service

Please speak to the health professional (GP, nurse, consultant) who looks after your chest condition/ Heart Failure if you would like to be referred to the Pulmonary/Heart Failure Rehabilitation programme.

Classes are held at different localities throughout Stockport.

Classes are currently held in Woodley on Tuesday and Friday mornings, and in Brinnington on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. For further details contact the service direct.