Profile:

Rickie Bishop MCSP SRP
Rickie qualified in 1970 from Bath School of Physiotherapy and worked at the Royal United Hospital in Bath for two years. She then moved to Hastings and worked in paediatrics in Hastings and Bexhill... [more]

Fit to Breathe: Welcome

A practical session

Pulmonary Rehabilitation has been used for many years to help people with breathing problems arising from asthma, emphysema and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). It is also helpful for people with other types of lung disease that cause breathlessness. The classes provide a combination of advice, breathing exercises and general exercises in a safe, monitored setting. People can gain confidence and improve their activity levels, often enabling a return to former hobbies and interests.

Assessing your requirements
Initial assessment is necessary to ensure you will benefit from Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes. An assessment includes a general history of your breathing problems and some base line tests of lung function. Exercise testing is done at the start of the first class and at the final class. Classes will include advice on how the lungs work, correct use of inhaled drugs, how to relax, how to conserve your energy, tips on dealing with chest infections, nutrition and other issues as requested. A full course usually consists of 1 initial assessment and twice-weekly sessions for six weeks including supervised exercises. You will be able to attend more if you wish.

Finding help in your area
For more information about Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes and other help in your area, talk to your GP or health centre, and go to The British Lung Foundation website.