Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Princeton Medical Center (PMC) is a medically supervised, progressive exercise and education program for individuals with breathing problems and lung disorders.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at PMC 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 healthcare professionals assists patients in achieving optimal breathing and a healthy lifestyle. Our multidisciplinary team consists of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified registered nurses, and clinical exercise physiologists.
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:
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Emphysema
- COVID-19
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Lung Cancer
- Lung reduction or lung transplant
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
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 healthcare professional 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. Your referring physician 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 attend sessions 2-3 days per week for approximately 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 Health offers pulmonary patients convenient access to a complete continuum of care to support all of your health and wellness needs, including:
- Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Community Wellness
- Diabetes Management Program
- Nutrition Program
- Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center
- Sleep Center
Admission
Admission to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is by physician referral only. PMC participates in most major insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. Our staff will assist you with the insurance process.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is available at:
Princeton Medical Center
Center for Cardiac Services
One Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, NJ
For more information about the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, call 609.853.7880.