Respiratory Physiotherapy
Respiratory physiotherapy or chest physiotherapy is a specialty area of physiotherapy that helps people with lung disease to maximise and maintain their lung function and exercise tolerance. Our physiotherapist, Megan works closely with your respiratory physician and other health care providers.
Airway Clearance:
Special breathing techniques are used to help improve the removal of excess sputum from the lungs (airway clearance). There are several areas that a respiratory physiotherapist may be able assist with airway clearance, including:
- Bronchiectasis
- COPD
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chest infection
Your physiotherapist will perform a comprehensive assessment of your respiratory system, breathing pattern, general health and airway clearance needs.
They may use a variety of techniques including (but not limited to):
- breathing exercises
- huffing
- positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices
- oscillating PEP devices
- autogenic drainage
- exercise
- sinus care
- education
Pulmonary Rehabilitation:
One of the main complaints of people with chronic lung disease is a reduction in exercise tolerance and increased breathlessness with activity. There is very good evidence to show that a pulmonary rehabilitation programme can improve exercise tolerance and reduce breathlessness in these people.
Your physiotherapist will perform a comprehensive assessment of your exercise capacity and activity levels, and tailor a home exercise programme specifically to your needs.
