Pulmonary Rehabilitation at University Medical Center at Princeton is a medically supervised, progressive exercise and education program for individuals with breathing problems and lung disorders.

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at UMCP is the first in Central New Jersey to achieve national certification by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. AACVPR certification recognizes those programs that have been rigorously reviewed by a national board and found to meet the outlined essential requirements for standards of care.

Under the direction of a board certified pulmonologist, our team of specialized pulmonary therapists assists patients in achieving optimal breathing and a healthy lifestyle. Our multidisciplinary team consists of ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)-certified registered nurses, licensed registered respiratory therapists, registered pharmacists, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians.

Pulmonary rehabilitation patients benefit from:

• Reduced shortness of breath and anxiety
• Increased ability to perform daily activities
• Mastery of breathing techniques
• Improved stamina and strength
• Decreased anxiety and depression
• Improved physical and mental well-being

We’re Here to Support You

Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is designed for patients with a variety of lung disorders, including:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema

It is also designed for individuals who have had a lung reduction or lung transplant.

Being short of breath is a terrible feeling. Through our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, you will learn how to manage your condition and its impact on your life.

Our pulmonary rehabilitation team is committed to helping you breathe more easily and achieve optimal quality of life. In fact, our dedication to patients has consistently helped us achieve high scores on patient satisfaction surveys conducted by Press Ganey, the healthcare industry’s leading performance measurement and improvement firm.

How the Program Works

Upon admission to the program, a nurse with specialized training in pulmonary rehabilitation will conduct an initial interview to carefully evaluate your exercise and educational needs. Then, an individually designed, medically supervised exercise program will be developed just for you.

Exercise sessions will be conducted in our well-equipped rehabilitation center. You will utilize a variety of equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes and free weights, to gradually build your strength and stamina. Your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels will be closely monitored during each exercise session. Both your primary care physician and pulmonologist will be kept well informed of your progress.

Pulmonary rehabilitation may last up to 12 weeks. The program is individualized and modified for every patient based on personal medical needs, physical abilities and your physician’s recommendations. You can expect to exercise three days per week for about one hour.

Support & Information

In addition to the exercise component, the program also offers valuable educational classes for patients, family members and loved ones. The classes are conducted by a licensed registered respiratory therapist, as well as other members of our multidisciplinary team. Some of the many topics we discuss:

• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Emergency planning
• Medication management
• Nutrition
• Panic control
• Stress management

Programs & Services

Princeton HealthCare System offers pulmonary patients convenient access to a complete continuum of care to support all of your health and wellness needs.

• Advanced Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Services
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
• Diabetes Management Program
• Nutrition Program
• Pain Management Program
• Princeton HealthCare System Community Education & Outreach Program
• Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center
• UMCP Sleep Center

Admission

Admission to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is by physician referral only. Before beginning your rehabilitation program, your physician will arrange for an exercise stress test and other tests required to participate. University Medical Center at Princeton participates in many insurance programs and Medicare. Our staff will assist you with the insurance process.

For those who would like to learn more about our program and eligibility requirements, we offer a free consultative visit. No physician referral is required.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is available at two convenient sites:

University Medical Center at Princeton

Lambert House, Ground Floor
253 Witherspoon Street, Princeton

For more information about the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, call 1.609.497.4285.