{"title":"Cardiorespiratory rehabilitation","image":"https://pes-luxembourg.lu/bascharage/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/10/Reeducation-Respiratoire-1-295x300.jpg","content":"\n**Shortness of breath on exertion, persistent fatigue, chronic respiratory disease or recovery after cardiac or thoracic surgery: cardiorespiratory physiotherapy helps you gradually regain breath, endurance and independence.** At Pôle Equilibre & Santé in Bascharage, care begins with a thorough assessment and is built around your abilities, your goals and your doctor's recommendations.\n\n## Who is it for?\n\nCardiorespiratory rehabilitation may be offered to adults living with **COPD**, asthma, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis or another chronic respiratory condition. It can also support recovery after pneumonia, long COVID, thoracic or cardiac surgery, as well as certain cases of heart failure.\n\nIt is not only for people who are very short of breath. Reduced endurance, loss of strength, fear of moving or difficulty resuming daily activities can also justify an assessment. The indication and level of exertion are always adapted to your medical situation.\n\n## A cardiorespiratory assessment before starting\n\nThe first appointment helps us understand your history, your symptoms and your lifestyle. Depending on your situation, the physiotherapist assesses dyspnoea, exercise tolerance, mobility, strength and oxygen saturation. A walking test or another functional measure may be offered when relevant.\n\nThis assessment is used to define a safe, progressive programme. It also helps identify signs that require medical advice before continuing or intensifying exercises.\n\n## Goals of care\n\n- **Better tolerate exertion**: resume walking, stairs and daily activities step by step.\n- **Manage shortness of breath**: learn to coordinate breathing and movement, pace effort and recover more effectively.\n- **Maintain muscle strength**: strengthen the muscles used in daily life without exceeding your current capacity.\n- **Facilitate clearance of secretions** when indicated, through bronchial clearance techniques and learning to use them at home.\n- **Become more independent**: understand the factors that worsen symptoms, organise physical activity and track progress with simple benchmarks.\n\nPhysiotherapy does not replace medical treatment of the disease. It fits into your care pathway, in coordination with your doctor and other professionals involved.\n\n## What happens during a session?\n\nExercises are chosen after the assessment and adjusted at each session. They may combine:\n\n- exercise retraining on a bike, treadmill or while walking;\n- muscle strengthening and functional work;\n- directed breathing and recovery exercises;\n- bronchial clearance techniques when secretions require it;\n- self-management advice, energy conservation and exercises to practise at home.\n\nProgress is made in small steps. Intensity, breaks and duration are adapted to your tolerance, how you feel that day and any instructions related to oxygen or the heart. An outpatient programme often spans several weeks, but the exact frequency and duration are decided on a case-by-case basis.\n\n## After hospitalisation or surgery\n\nAfter thoracic or cardiac surgery, hospitalisation or a period of inactivity, resumption must be gradual. Physiotherapy can help you regain mobility, strength, confidence in exertion and good breathing habits. When the situation requires it, we work in coordination with the doctor overseeing your rehabilitation.\n\nPatients who use oxygen should come with the prescribed instructions. The flow rate must never be changed on your own initiative.\n\n## What about children?\n\nPaediatric respiratory physiotherapy addresses specific needs, particularly in certain respiratory infections or clearance difficulties. The techniques and indications are not the same as in adults: they are decided after an examination adapted to the child's age. To find out more, see our [paediatric rehabilitation](/bascharage/competence/reeducation-pediatrique) page.\n\nEvery physiotherapist at the practice has completed [P2R training in respiratory pathologies in children](https://www.p2r-formation.fr/formation-bronchiolite/), including for infant bronchiolitis.\n\n\n\n## Your specialist at the practice\n\nFor adults, cardiorespiratory care is notably provided by **[Julien Colantuono](/bascharage/kinesitherapeute/julien-colantuono)**, **[Hugo Casier](/bascharage/kinesitherapeute/hugo-casier)** and **[Amandine Lotti](/bascharage/kinesitherapeute/amandine-lotti)**, physiotherapists trained in this field. The team can direct you to the practitioner best suited to your situation.\n\nFor heart failure, **[Julien Colantuono](/bascharage/kinesitherapeute/julien-colantuono)** is notably trained in [managing heart failure in private practice](https://ambroisepareformation.com/catalogue/insuffisant-cardiaque).\n\nOur dedicated site, [kine-cardio-respi.lu](https://kine-cardio-respi.lu/), also presents cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, the situations we treat and practical advice for preparing your appointment.\n\n## When should you seek medical advice quickly?\n\nUnusual or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty, chest pain or tightness, blue lips or nails, coughing up blood, malaise, significant palpitations or sudden swelling of a leg require prompt medical advice. In case of respiratory distress, severe chest pain or doubt, call **112**. Physiotherapy does not replace emergency care.\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\nDo I need a prescription?
\n\nThe prescription and reimbursement conditions depend on the treatment and your situation. For care reimbursed by the CNS, a medical prescription and the conditions in force are generally required. The practice explains the steps when you book an appointment.\nI am very short of breath: is this really for me?
\n\nThe assessment is precisely there to determine what is possible and at what pace. The programme starts at your level, with dosed exercises and breaks. However, sudden or unusual shortness of breath should first be assessed medically.\nDoes cardiorespiratory rehabilitation cure my disease?
\n\nIt does not make a chronic disease disappear. However, it can improve exercise tolerance, management of shortness of breath, strength and independence, as a complement to medical treatment. Benefits are maintained with regular adapted activity and the exercises learned.\nHow long does the programme last?
\n\nThe duration varies according to the diagnosis, state of health, goals and prescription. A programme is often organised over several weeks, with progression reassessed regularly rather than an identical number of sessions for everyone.\nCan sessions take place at home?
\n\nHome sessions may be considered when travel is difficult or after hospitalisation. Exercise retraining with equipment and a full assessment is generally easier at the practice. We determine the safest option with you and your doctor if necessary.\nHow do I book an appointment?
\n\nYou can [book online](https://fr.doctena.lu/cabinet/Pole_Equilibre_Sante-281318) or call the Bascharage practice on [+352 26 65 28 42](tel:+35226652842). If you are unsure about the urgency of your symptoms, call 112 rather than waiting for an appointment.\n