Exercise Conditioning for the Cardiopulmonary Population
Exercise is possible, and often beneficial, even if you have a serious medical problem such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, or sarcoidosis. If you have had lung surgery, physical therapy may help you to resume or begin an exercise program. Selected patients may benefit from a course of physical therapy before their planned operation. After an evaluation, an individualized treatment plan is developed, which may include specific techniques to:
- Strengthen breathing muscles
- Help clear or cough up congestion
- Make it easier to breathe
- Support your own oxygen level
- Minimize bothersome symptoms
- Strengthen muscles and improve endurance
Options for exercise training include walking, cycling and strengthening. Physical therapists can help transition to a program at their local Y, health club or community center.
