What is pulmonary rehabilitation (PR)?

Find out how a course of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) can help you to manage and live well with your COPD.

What happens at pulmonary rehabilitation (PR)?

Exercises to help you feel stronger and less breathless

Your PR sessions will involve different types of physical activity. You and your  PR team will carefully choose the level of these activities to suit your ability level.

Your PR team will support you to be active, even if you normally feel very  breathless when doing things like dressing or walking.

They’ll make sure you’re working at a safe and comfortable pace, and you’ll be  able to take breaks when you need.

Meeting other people with COPD

PR sessions happen in groups of eight to 16 people. Most people who do PR  have COPD, but some people might have other lung conditions.

Doing PR in a group is a great way to meet others and get support from people who might have similar experiences to yours.

Support and advice to help you understand your COPD

PR sessions are run by a team of healthcare professionals. You can ask them any questions you have about your COPD.

In your PR sessions, your PR team will help you learn about:

  • how your body and lungs work
  • medicines and treatments
  • preventing and treating COPD flare-ups (exacerbations)
  • lifestyle changes that could help.

You’ll also learn ways to manage how COPD affects:

  • your breathing and energy levels
  • your mood
  • your day to day life, like travelling or the cost of living.