Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The condition causes coughing, wheezing, anxiety with shortness of breath and fatigue. For people with moderate to severe COPD, urgent visits to hospital are frequent and impacts to quality of life.

Interstitial Lung Disease also causes scarring of the lungs making breathing difficult and impacts transference of oxygen to the blood stream.

The Outpatient Pulmonary Activation Program at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph (SJHCG) provides the strategies to help manage the disease and symptoms through exercise training and education.

Exercise Training

A physiotherapist will assess each person’s individual goals and design an exercise program to meet their specific needs and abilities. The exercise recommendations helps clients regain strength, increase energy and activity, and manage shortness of breath.

Education

A Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE) / Respiratory therapist provides education on topics such as lung disease, use of puffers and medication, breathing techniques, healthy eating and managing flare ups,

The core outpatient Pulmonary Activation team is comprised of a Respiratory therapist, and Physiotherapist.

The CRE Respiratory Therapist provides one group education session (1.5 hrs) with approximately 4-5 participants in the group and 4 individual 1:1 exercise sessions  provided by the physiotherapist

Eligibility and Referral

Adults who have a chronic obstructive lung disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, bronchiectasis or pulmonary fibrosis can all benefit from this program. In order to participate, clients need a referral from their physician or respirologist. This program is not appropriate for individuals with acute heart disease or dementia or those who are at a high risk for falls.

View Outpatient Pulmonary Activation Program Application (PDF, 184KB) for completion by a healthcare practitioner.

Community Resources

Once participants complete the 5 session program, information will be provided on  community resources to support those with chronic lung disease (i.e. YMCA, Family Health Team and ProResp community resources). This helps to ensure people can maintain the gains they have achieved.

Contact

Speak to your physician about a referral to the Outpatient Pulmonary Activation Program at SJHCG.