Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Overview

People with chronic pulmonary disease find the specialized care and support they need at the Mayo Clinic Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. The experts in this program will work with you to improve your health and reduce your risk of future pulmonary disease and medical complications. Most people go through the comprehensive evaluation, educational and exercise components on an outpatient basis.

You'll get exactly the care you need from a multispecialty group of people with special training, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers and dietitians.

Participation in the program may help you:

  • Better understand your disease
  • Develop methods to cope with your disease
  • Develop your perception of well-being
  • Decrease the number of times you go to the hospital

Arizona

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Mayo Clinic's campus in Arizona provides care by doctors in a clinical setting, as well as patient education and support for people with qualifying lung (pulmonary) disease. The typical program length in Arizona is 6 to 10 weeks.

Florida

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida is a combined rehabilitation program for people with lung disease or heart disease (cardiovascular disease).

Minnesota

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota offers a program that lasts 6 to 10 weeks. For people who aren't able to commit to that length of stay, the program offers individual appointments or helps you identify a health care facility near your home where you can complete a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program. Your Mayo care team may provide you with specific guidelines to take to your local facility.

Conditions treated

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is open to people who have a chronic pulmonary disease that affects their ability to breathe and their quality of life.

You may be eligible for the program in the following situations:

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida is open to people with pulmonary diseases, as well as to people with cardiovascular diseases or those at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, such as:

About the program

During your experience, you'll be guided in how to improve your overall health and well-being and reduce your risk of future pulmonary events. Methods and activities might include:

  • Breathing and relaxation techniques
  • Changing your physical activity habits
  • Maximizing your energy level
  • Learning about nutrition, disease processes, respiratory medications, energy conservation techniques, oxygen therapy and exercise techniques
  • Participating in exercise reconditioning sessions
  • Oxygen dosing

You'll have an individualized session to go over results of tests, program recommendations, exercise prescription and any questions you may have. And you may be given recommendations to take to your local doctor related to your care plan and any additional testing.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for pulmonology by U.S. News and World Report.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for respiratory disorders by U.S. News and World Report.

Research that leads to improved care

Mayo Clinic pulmonary medicine clinician-scientists and researchers are committed to advancing pulmonary rehabilitation through research. One project on Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota that is moving from the research stage to application in clinical practice is home-based pulmonary rehabilitation. It provides technology that monitors patient activity and well-being in addition to health coaching.

Appointments

To make an appointment, you'll need to be referred by your doctor. Not all services may be available at all locations.