Pulmonary Rehab in Nova Scotia
- michelledonaldson9
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Pulmonary Rehab in Nova Scotia
Emma McArthur, RN
The pulmonary rehabilitation program of Nova Scotia is available for people who are diagnosed with a chronic lung disease and have symptoms that affect their quality of life. There are multiple sites across the province, each clinic running a little bit differently depending on staffing and resources. Despite this, the goal is the same – to improve control of shortness of breath and fatigue, make activities of daily living easier, improve mobility, and manage other symptoms through a multi-disciplinary approach of exercise, education, and other supports.
Often, the idea of putting yourself out there to experience something new can seem scary – even if it is beneficial to your health. Considering this, I spoke with staff at different sites to gain insight into the process for participants and answer some questions that can’t be found online.
Getting a referral
To attend the program, you require a referral. Every center has different requirements for their referral. Sometimes a referral needs to be completed by a physician or nurse practitioner, whereas at other clinics you can be referred by any health care provider. A referral should take place once you have a proper diagnosis for your respiratory illness, as the pulmonary rehabilitation program is meant to supplement medical management provided by your primary care physician.
Intake assessment
Once the referral is sent, you will be contacted for an intake assessment. This includes staff reviewing your medical records and talking with you about your goals. Most programs require some type of exercise stress test and the type varies between programs.
Starting the program
Most programs are run over 12 weeks with 1-2 classes per week. Some clinics have continuous enrollment which allows for people to join at any point during the year. However, smaller clinics have fixed enrollment, which means that there are certain starting dates for the 12 week program.
The program
All the programs have an exercise and education component. These are overseen by nurses, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists and dieticians. Again, this varies between clinics but typically there is an exercise and education component in each program. The education focuses on a variety of topics such as balancing exercise and activity with shortness of breath, nutrition and breathing techniques.
The Exercise component most often focuses on aerobic or cardiovascular exercise as this is most important for your lung condition. Participants in PR always work at a comfortable pace for them and take breaks or rest as needed. Equipment may include treadmills, stationary bikes, seated steppers, walking track, and /or arm bikes. A warm up to begin class and cool down to finish may include some breathing exercises, strength and balance activities and stretching. Participants often feel stronger with better control over their shortness of breath as they progress through the program. Some programs have the extra support of a social worker and psychologist on staff, while other clinics can refer if required.
After the program
When you complete the program there will be a discharge letter sent to the referring health care professional. Some clinics, like the Heart and Lung Center in Sydney, can support a pulmonary maintenance program which allows people to continue with 1 hour a week in the gym with the support of staff. If you have a flare-up of your disease, you can repeat the program.
Everyone is given a home exercise program that includes a walking or stationary bike component and strengthening exercises. Deanna Landry, a physiotherapist at the Mumford Clinic, says “Any small amount of exercise participants do at home will help them make small gains in breathing control, strength and stamina.”
When someone has a lung disease, these small gains accumulate over time to create bigger changes that lead to better quality of life. This is the goal of the pulmonary rehabilitation program: no matter where someone is referred, participants will gain strategies that improve their quality of life. If you would like more information click on the link below:
Special thanks to:
Deanna Landry PT, Melissa Lambert RN, and Tracy Cushing RT, who took time to explain some of the different aspects of their programs.