Do you get out of breath quickly, notice your fitness declining, or feel less confident moving because of your COPD? With targeted exercise therapy we help you improve your fitness and muscle strength, so you can do more in daily life.
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Physiotherapy for COPD
What does physiotherapy do for COPD?
COPD is a chronic lung disease in which the airways are narrowed. Shortness of breath often makes people move less. As a result, fitness and muscle strength decline and breathlessness actually gets worse. With physiotherapy we break this vicious circle.
With exercise therapy for COPD we work on:
- Better fitness and more stamina
- More muscle strength in the arms and legs
- Coping better with breathlessness
- More confidence in moving
- A more active and independent daily life
Who is physiotherapy for COPD for?
Physiotherapy can help if you:
- Get short of breath during exertion, such as climbing stairs or shopping
- Notice that your fitness or muscle strength is declining
- Are recovering from a flare-up or a hospital stay
- Want to move more, but aren't sure how to do so safely
Our approach
We start with an intake and measure your fitness, strength and load capacity. Together with you, we set goals. Treatment mainly consists of supervised exercise therapy: fitness and strength training, breathing exercises and advice on managing your energy. At our Bentinckplein location you can use our training room for this. Also read about breathing therapy and physiotherapy for chronic complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
For reimbursement from the Dutch basic health insurance you need a referral from your GP or lung specialist. You can also come to us without a referral, but reimbursement then depends on your supplementary insurance.
Is exercise safe with COPD?
Yes. Under supervision, exercise is safe and actually important. We build up the training gradually and adapt it to your load capacity.
How long does a course of treatment take?
This depends on your situation and goals. After the intake we discuss a plan and regularly evaluate your progress.
Reimbursement for COPD
For COPD from GOLD stage 2, supervised exercise therapy is covered by the Dutch basic health insurance. You need a referral from your GP or lung specialist. Because the cover comes from the basic insurance, it counts towards your deductible (eigen risico).
For GOLD stage 1 there is no cover from the basic insurance, but your supplementary insurance may cover treatments.
The exact conditions differ per health insurer. Not sure? Feel free to contact us and we'll work it out together.
Fysico Rotterdam is a member of Chronisch ZorgNet, the network of physiotherapists specialised in supporting people with a chronic condition such as COPD.
Want to be able to do more again with COPD? Start exercise therapy.
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Physiotherapy for COPD in Rotterdam
Fysico Rotterdam supports people with COPD in improving their fitness, strength and self-confidence. You can visit us at Bentinckplein in Blijdorp, where we also have our own training room.