Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation

Support for better breathing and heart health through exercise, education, and personalized care. Access Patient Resources.
Clinician discussing treatment progress with a patient using a stationary exercise bike in a rehabilitation setting.

Clinical, Rehabilitative

Cardiac and Respiratory Rehabilitation are individualized programs of exercise, education, and counselling designed to help you live a healthier lifestyle and reduce your risk of future cardiac events and health problems. Our team consists of a dynamic group of professionals, including Physiotherapists, a Registered Nurse, Respiratory Therapist, Rehab Assistant, General Internists, Dietitian, Pharmacist, Social Worker, Kinesiologist, and an Administrative Assistant.

Location

Hours of Operation

Key Service Highlights

  • Patient Resource: If you are active in the Cardiorespiratory Rehab Program, a member of your area team can provide you with a password to access the patient resources page containing program material and links to your Zoom exercises and education classes. Access Patient Resources
  • One-on-one care for both cardiac and respiratory rehabilitation
  • Interdisciplinary team approach, including nursing, therapy, and specialist care
  • Education on lifestyle changes, symptom management, and safe exercise
  • Individualized assessments and goal-based treatment planning
  • Support for managing medications and oxygen therapy

Services Offered

Cardiac Rehab Services

  • Medical screening and recommendations
  • Risk factor identification
  • Cardiovascular stress testing
  • Individualized exercise prescription and progression
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Stress management and smoking cessation support
  • Vocational counselling or referral

Respiratory Rehab Services

  • Interdisciplinary health assessment
  • Supervised exercise program (3x/week)
  • Education on lung conditions, home exercise, and medication use
  • Training on oxygen use and breathing techniques
  • Lifestyle coaching for daily activity improvement

Program Details

Program Delivery

The program is currently offered virtually through video conference or telephone calls. In consultation with your care team, some on-site visits may be arranged for assessment.

Cardiac Referral Criteria

  • High risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Stable coronary artery disease
  • Acute coronary syndrome
  • Post-cardiac or vascular surgery
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Post-percutaneous coronary intervention
  • Other cardiovascular or vascular insufficiencies

Respiratory Benefits

  • Understanding lung disease and prioritizing energy
  • Decreased shortness of breath and fatigue
  • Increased muscle strength and activity tolerance
  • Improved everyday living and mood
  • Training on medications, symptom management, and reducing ER visits

Respiratory Referral Criteria

  • COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma)
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Other respiratory conditions include:
    • Shortness of breath
    • Activity limitations (e.g., showering, walking, exercising)
    • Thick mucus or wheezing
    • Inhaler or medication confusion
    • Stress or anxiety about breathing

What to Bring

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for light exercise
  • Medication list and inhalers
  • Water bottle
  • Assistive devices, if required

Resources & Downloads

Referral & Booking

Referral Requirements
A physician referral is required to access this service. Patients will be contacted with further instructions following referral.
Booking Details
If you would like to access this service, please contact the Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation Program Clerk at 613-354-3301 ext. 4285. Please include the name of the service and any referral details provided by your physician.

FAQs

Wondering what to expect from Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation? These FAQs cover program details, eligibility, and how to prepare for your sessions.

Who is eligible for the Cardiorespiratory Rehab program

Patients referred by a physician for heart or lung-related conditions listed in the referral criteria.

How long is the program?

Duration varies based on individual needs, typically several weeks of scheduled sessions.

Is the program covered by OHIP?

Yes, the program is covered under OHIP with a physician referral.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Comfortable clothes, any medications, inhalers, and assistive devices you use.

Can I use oxygen during the sessions?

Yes, patients using home oxygen will receive support and instruction on safe use during exercise.

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