Prehabilitation can improve lung function, respiratory muscle strength and exercise capacity if you have lung cancer. This is primarily achieved through physical activity, and brings many benefits.
Surgery
As part of your preparation for lung surgery, we want to give your body the best chance to recover quickly.
One way we do this is by strengthening the breathing muscles with a simple exercise called inspiratory muscle training (achieved using a POWERbreathe).
Think of it like a workout for your lungs, just as you might prepare your legs before a long run or race.
Inspiratory muscle training will make your breathing muscles fitter and stronger before surgery. This makes it easier for you to take deep breaths and cough more effectively after your operation, lowers the risk of complications like chest infections, and helps you get back to feeling yourself more quickly.
Radiotherapy
As part of radiotherapy treatment, you may be asked to put your hands above your head.
If you have any shoulder problems, Christie NHS Foundation Trust has developed the following exercises for you to complete daily before your treatment.
These exercises can also be used during your treatment to prevent any discomfort or stiffness around the shoulder.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer. If you are having treatment or surgery for cancer, stopping smoking has significant benefits.
Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) video
This video explains how to complete a set of breathing exercises called the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT).
This technique helps to clear secretions off your chest to help treat, or prevent a chest infection. You will likely be asked to complete these breathing exercises by a physiotherapist after your surgery.