Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is an Exacerbation?
When the symptoms of your lung condition suddenly become worse, it is called an exacerbation. This can be treated at home or in hospital, commonly with antibiotics and/ or steroids.
What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR)?
Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is a course involving individually tailored exercises to help you manage your breathlessness and gradually increase your fitness levels. It will also help improve your knowledge surrounding your lung condition. Classes are held face to face twice a week for six weeks and involve both exercise and education.
What is Post Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Post hospital PR provides early access to the course (within 4 weeks of referral). There is a lot of evidence to show that early access to PR after a hospital admission for an exacerbation can speed up recovery, prevent readmission and improve health related quality of life. This can help improve symptoms and exercise tolerance, meaning daily activities become easier and getting back to pre hospital levels of function are achieved sooner.
Is it safe for me?
Your healthcare professional will only recommend PR if it will help you manage your condition and make you feel better. A Specialist Physiotherapist will thoroughly assess you and make sure it is safe for you to take part.
Even though you may not feel 100% when being referred and exercise may seem daunting, the specialist team will make sure you are well supported through the process and that the course is tailored to your ability.
How do I get referred?
You will be recommended for PR whilst you are in hospital. Alternatively, you can be referred by your GP/Practice Nurse or any health Professional who may see you at home following discharge
If this hasn’t happened please call the telephone number at the end of this leaflet. Once we have received your referral, we will aim to contact you within 2 weeks to discuss an assessment appointment which can be over the phone or in person
What happens at the assessment?
A Respiratory Specialist Physiotherapist will discuss your goals with you and complete a full lung health check up including how well your lungs work, how your lung condition affects your daily activities, your medical history and medications. You can bring a relative/ friend/ carer with you if you need/ would like. If the course is suitable for you, we aim to offer you a start date within
2 weeks.
What happens at the classes?
You will have an individual induction and orientation and be introduced to other class members, all of whom have a lung condition. The classes are very friendly and welcoming. You will have a graded exercise programme designed for you by the specialist team based on your goals and your assessment. The exercises include a combination of arm and leg exercises to improve strength and other exercises such as walking and step ups to improve heart/lung fitness. You will not be asked to do anything you cannot manage.
The weekly education session is attached to one of the exercise sessions and is run by the specialist team with tea/ coffee and biscuits. The education topics include:
- The importance of exercise and breathing control
- Chest clearance/ cough control
- Managing exaerbations
- Medications
- Nutrition
- The link between the body and mind.
- How different lung conditions affect the lungs.
Where and when are the classes?
The 2 hour session comprises of exercise and education, the shorter sessions are exercise only.
12th Windsor Scout Hut
- Mondays 10am-12 midday
- Wednesdays 2.30-3.30pm
Bracknell Open Learnng Centre-
- Tuesdays 10am-12 midday
- Fridays 2.30-3.30pm
Woodlands Park Village Centre (Maidenhead)
- Wednesdays 2.30-3.30pm
- Fridays 2-3pm
1st Britwell Scout Hut (Slough)-
- Tuesdays 2.30-3.30pm
- Thursdays 1.30-3.30pm
Unfortunately we cannot provide transport but if transport is an issue then please contact the team for advice surrounding public transport routes and volunteer driver schemes.
A Home PR option is possible for those that are housebound.
For any further information please call the AIR Team on 03006146469
Additional resources
Video about PR at Frimley
abcd
About this information
Reference:
W/044
Approval date:
1 November 2025
Review date:
1 November 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.