What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a group programme designed for people diagnosed with a lung condition who are short of breath. It is made up of:

  • A physical exercise programme tailored for you, working within your capabilities.
  • Information to help you look after your body and lungs, and advice on managing your condition and symptoms.

The PR courses are held at Minerva Health Centre and Buckshaw Community Centre in Chorley and last for six weeks, with two sessions each week. You’ll be in a group of around eight to 16 people. The service is staffed by physiotherapists, specialist therapy assistants and a care coordinator, who will encourage you to meet your potential.

Minerva Health Centre

Buckshaw Community Centre

Lowthorpe Road, Deepdale, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 6SB

Unity Place, Buckshaw Village, Chorley PR7 7HZ

Who would benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation?

PR is aimed at people with a lung condition whose ability to be active is affected by breathing difficulties. It can benefit people with long-term lung conditions, including:

  • Bronchiectasis
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s recommended for people coming out of hospital after a COPD flare-up.

How will pulmonary rehabilitation help me?

Completing a course of PR is a good way to learn how to manage your condition more effectively and how to exercise safely, at the right level for you. It is an enjoyable, confidence building course and it’s useful to meet others in a similar situation to you.

PR is not a cure for your respiratory condition so you may not see a difference in breathing test results, but it can help you make the most of the lung function that you have. Evidence shows that it improves your ability to walk further, helps you feel less tired and breathless doing day- to-day activities and reduces your risk of ending up in hospital.

If you struggle with walking, have uncontrolled heart problems or have recently had a heart attack, PR might not be suitable for you at the moment. That will be discussed with you as part of your assessment.

If you are unable to attend a venue to access the classes, please contact the team to discuss other options that may be available to you.

What happens next?

A typical PR course will always start with a phone call from the team, followed by an assessment of your health and abilities at St. Aidan’s Church Hall, Bamber Bridge. You will be asked questions about your lung condition and how it affects you, so that we can help you get the best out of the course. If suitable, then you will be given a date to start the programme.

What happens after pulmonary rehabilitation?

After you’ve completed your course, staying active will help you keep up the progress you’ve made. You can carry on completing the exercises you’ve learned in class using the home exercise programme you will have been issued early in the programme.

The team can also refer you to a follow-up exercise programme.

Peer support sessions are also available at each location. Please discuss with a member of the team if you would like more information.

What to expect at pulmonary rehabilitation

People performing pulmonary rehab exercises

“I like to keep fit which keeps me to face my disease with a positive attitude. Thank you.” - PR participant. 

People performing pulmonary rehab exercises

“Improved my confidence.” - PR participant. 

People performing pulmonary rehab exercises

“Feeling more confident and planning ways of doing tasks to my benefit.” - PR participant. 

People performing pulmonary rehab exercises

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email PALS@lscft.nhs.uk

Need mental health support?

Call 111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Text support can be reached by messaging Shout, which is a free, confidential and 24/7 texting service. Simply text ‘Shout’ to 85258. Further support is available through Kooth offering self-help resources, online messaging and support for young people aged 11 to 25. 

Additionally, the Hub of Hope provides a directory of mental health support and services across the UK.

This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.