Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Elkhart General Hospital is a comprehensive outpatient treatment program for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases or symptoms. After an extensive evaluation, the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Team will tailor an individualized education and exercise therapy program designed to help the patient understand and cope with their condition, and to function more comfortably and independently.

Our mission is to provide testing, therapy, emotional support and education to help each patient enhance their quality of life and deal with the consequences of lung disease.

Your Team of Care Givers

Under the direction of your physician, an interdisciplinary team of registered nurses and exercise specialists assists you with your daily sessions. Other members of your caregiving team may include registered dietitians, pharmacy, case management, home health and pastoral care. Our team will help you learn to live better with your disease through exercise and education.

We’re committed to helping you:

• Learn proper breathing techniques and relaxation
• Understand your disease
• Stop smoking
• Get tips on proper diet and nutrition
• Learn how to properly take medications and use inhalers
• Avoid panic attacks
• Improve strength and build endurance

YOU are one of the most important members of the team! Much of the success of the program depends on you doing your part and practicing techniques at home in order to make a positive, lasting change.

Who Should Participate?

Patients with chronic lung disease or symptoms can benefit from the program by strengthening their respiratory system and learning more about their disease.

Respiratory diseases and symptoms include:

• COPD, Emphysema, or Chronic Airway Obstruction
• Asthma
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Pulmonary Atelectasis
• Breathlessness
• Respiratory Infections

Program Highlights

Orientation

After a referral from your physician is obtained, we’ll begin with an orientation appointment and an intensive teaching session that will give you the tools you need to progress towards better health.

Assessment

We will also complete an initial assessment that includes a Pulmonary Function test to assess your lung function along with several questionnaires to help determine the areas most challenging for you. This will help us develop a tailored program that will restore the strength and endurance you need to lead a full and active life.

Education and Exercise Therapy

This program incorporates exercise therapy and education to improve your physical and emotional well-being. You will begin to see noticeable results in just a few weeks.

Completion

After completing the program, we will help you develop a plan for continuing exercises and techniques to keep you on the track to good health.

How to Find Us

Take Elevator “B” to the Third floor of the Hospital. Free parking is provided in the Visitor Parking Garage.

Our Hours

Our hours are Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7:00am until 2:00pm

Payment Information

During the orientation session, we will help you evaluate your financial options. In most cases, Medicare and private insurance cover the program.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an orientation, call the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at (574) 296-6496.