Northern Montana Cardiopulmonary Rehab

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services

At Northern Montana Health Care, we’re committed to helping you recover, rebuild, and return to the activities you love. Our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program has supported patients in the Hi-Line region since 1990, offering a safe, supportive environment for recovery and long-term wellness.

Whether you’re recovering from a cardiac event, managing a chronic lung condition, or simply aiming to improve your strength and stamina, we’re here to help - with programs tailored to your needs and guided by skilled, compassionate professionals.

Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab: Phase II – Recovery & Progression

Patients often come to us by referral after experiencing a heart condition, cardiac procedure, or pulmonary diagnosis. Our Phase II program provides medically supervised exercise and education to support your recovery and improve your quality of life.

Each session may include:

• Heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG monitoring
• Supervised aerobic and resistance exercise
• Symptom tracking and support
• Education on healthy eating, medications, lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and lab results

For patients with pulmonary conditions, such as moderate to severe COPD, the focus also includes breathing techniques and disease management strategies. Our team includes a registered nurse and a clinical exercise specialist, with respiratory therapy support for pulmonary patients. 

Phase III – Prevention & Maintenance

After completing Phase II, many patients continue with Phase III to maintain progress and stay active. This maintenance program meets three times a week and is tailored to support ongoing goals such as:

• Weight management
• Diabetes control
• Stress relief
• Pre-surgical conditioning
• General physical wellness

Participants continue to work under the guidance of clinical exercise specialists and a registered nurse, with personalized plans that evolve with your needs.

Adult Fitness – Wellness for Life

We also offer a structured group exercise program designed especially for mature adults. Participants rotate through various machines and stations with guidance from a clinical exercise specialist. Each session includes a full-body warm-up, strength training, cool-down, and group stretching—for a well-rounded approach to fitness in a fun, social setting.

What to Expect

Cardiopulmonary rehab programs typically begin with a full medical evaluation to assess your needs and create a plan just for you.

Your customized program will include:

• Supervised exercise (walking, treadmill, bike, rowing, etc.)
• Gradual increases in intensity and duration
• Strength training (when appropriate)
• Ongoing symptom monitoring and education

Many patients complete around 36 sessions over 12 weeks, but your plan may vary depending on your condition and provider recommendations. The goal is always the same: to help you return to a more active, independent life with a reduced risk of future complications. 

Program Benefits

• Safe, supervised exercise
• Personalized guidance
• Heart rate and EKG monitoring
• Body composition analysis
• Support groups and camaraderie
• Nutritional education
• A community of support

Getting Started

If you’ve recently had a heart procedure, been diagnosed with a chronic heart or lung condition, or are looking for a medically supported path to wellness, talk to your provider about a referral to our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program.