Pulmonary rehabilitation helps improve breathing and quality of life, and comprehensive PR programs deliver physical and emotional benefits for respiratory patients.


Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective non-pharmacologic therapies available for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, and other chronic respiratory conditions, yet programs remain significantly
underused.

Pulmonary rehabilitation combines supervised exercise training, health education, and breathing techniques to help people with chronic lung disease improve their strength, stamina, and overall quality of life.

The COPD Foundation is joining other lung health champions in raising awareness of the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation and the dedication of the health care professionals who deliver these specialized programs during Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, observed March 8-14, 2026.

“Pulmonary rehabilitation taught me how to breathe better, how to use my muscles better, and how to use my medications,” said Karen Deitemeyer, a lung health champion from Florida who is living with COPD. “It was a wonderful experience, and one that I urge everybody [with a lung condition] to look into if you haven’t already been referred to pulmonary rehab. So please, ask your doctor, because here it is, 25 years [after my COPD diagnosis], and I am alive and well, and I just celebrated my 80th birthday, which I never thought I would do.”

Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation include:

  • Decreased shortness of breath.
  • Increased exercise capacity.
  • Increased energy and stamina.
  • Improved feeling of well-being.
  • Decreased feelings of depression and anxiety.

“Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the all-time great interventions in lung disease. It helps people understand their symptoms, be more active, and know that they are not alone on the journey,” said Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT, Senior Director of Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs at the COPD Foundation. “It’s one-stop shopping for better breathing.”

Despite its benefits, pulmonary rehabilitation remains underutilized due to barriers including transportation challenges, limited program availability, and insurance coverage gaps. Programs are offered in-person and virtually. Virtual programs help expand access to those who live far away from facilities or face mobility challenges.

The COPD Foundation is also urging Congress to consider a bill (H.R.783/S.248) to permanently cover virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs administered through a hospital under Medicare.