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Respiratory Physiotherapy

Respiratory physiotherapy, also known as chest physiotherapy, pulmonary physiotherapy or pulmonary rehabilitation, is a specialised area of physiotherapy that focuses on treating and managing respiratory or breathing problems.

The respiratory system is responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. Respiratory physiotherapy aims to improve lung function, strengthen respiratory muscles, increase oxygen delivery, expel secretions and reduce shortness of breath.

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What respiratory Physiotherapy involves

Respiratory physiotherapy involves a range of techniques and exercises, including breathing exercises, coughing techniques, thoracic expansion and mobility exercises and manual chest physiotherapy. It also includes education on breathing techniques, lifestyle modifications, and self-management strategies to improve lung health and prevent complications.

Respiratory physiotherapy is commonly used to treat chest infections, bronchitis, pneumonia and conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, pleural effusions, bronchiectasis, atelectasis and post-COVID-19. It is also used to prepare patients for and aid in their recovery from surgery or other medical interventions that may affect their respiratory function.

Through a combination of exercises, individualised advice and manual techniques, our aim at Riley Physiotherapists is to help speed up recovery, manage symptoms, prevent complications and improve lung function and quality of life.

Benefits of Respiratory Physiotherapy

Improved lung function:

Respiratory physiotherapy can help improve lung function by strengthening respiratory muscles and increasing oxygen delivery to the body. This can lead to reduced shortness of breath and better overall breathing.

Reduced risk of complications:

Individuals with respiratory problems are at increased risk of developing complications such as pneumonia and other lung infections. Respiratory physiotherapy can help reduce the risk of these complications by improving lung function and reducing the amount of mucus in the lungs.

Improved quality of life:

Respiratory physiotherapy can improve the quality of life for individuals with respiratory problems by reducing shortness of breath, improving exercise tolerance, and enabling them to perform activities of daily living with greater ease.

Enhanced self-management:

Respiratory physiotherapy provides education and training on breathing techniques, lifestyle modifications, and self-management strategies. This can empower individuals to take an active role in managing their condition and improve their overall health and well-being.

Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation:

Respiratory physiotherapy is often used to prepare individuals for surgery and aid in their recovery after surgery. This can help reduce complications and improve outcomes.

When Respiratory Physiotherapy is advised

If you have a chest infection, it is important to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Including respiratory physiotherapy in your treatment may help you manage your symptoms and speed up your recovery. Respiratory physiotherapy can help to clear mucus and other secretions from the lungs, which can reduce congestion and improve breathing. It can also help to improve lung function and reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia.

Respiratory physiotherapy is also recommended for individuals who have respiratory or breathing problems, such as:
  1. Bronchitis
  2. Pneumonia
  3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  4. Asthma
  5. Cystic fibrosis
  6. Emphysema
  7. Lung cancer
  8. Post-COVID-19 (and other infections) residual breathlessness
  9. Post-operative pulmonary complications
  10. Pleural effusions
  11. Atelectasis (collapse)
  12. Bronchiectasis

 

Respiratory physiotherapy may also be recommended for individuals who have difficulty breathing due to other medical conditions or as a result of a sedentary lifestyle.

If you experience any symptoms of respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, or coughing, consult with your healthcare provider and a physiotherapist who treats respiratory conditions.

If you are scheduled for surgery or have recently undergone surgery that may affect your respiratory function, consider respiratory physiotherapy to help prepare you for surgery or aid in your recovery.

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