Chest Physio at Advantage Healthcare
Respiratory physiotherapists help people with breathing problems caused by conditions like COPD, asthma, and emphysema. They assist patients who struggle to clear their airways due to mucus buildup, chest infections, or lung issues.
They also support recovery for those who have lost fitness after surgery or illness. Using breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, and gentle physical activity, they help improve lung function and overall strength. Their goal is to make breathing easier, boost endurance, and help patients manage their symptoms to stay healthier.
Who can benefit from respiratory physiotherapy?
Respiratory physiotherapy is beneficial for anyone experiencing breathing difficulties, airway clearance issues, or reduced lung function due to a medical condition, surgery, or prolonged inactivity. Our treatments can help:
Chronic Lung Conditions
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Helps reduce breathlessness and clear mucus.
- Asthma – Improves breathing control and prevents flare-ups.
- Bronchiectasis – Aids in clearing mucus and preventing infections.
- Cystic Fibrosis – Supports lung health and airway clearance.
- Emphysema – Enhances lung efficiency and reduces symptoms.
Individuals Recovering from Infections or Surgery
- Pneumonia & Chest Infections – Speeds up recovery and clears lung congestion.
- Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation – Restores lung function and stamina.
- Deconditioning – Restores cardiovascular fitness to those who have lost endurance.
- Post-Surgery Recovery (e.g., Heart or Abdominal Surgery) – Prevents complications like lung collapse and improves breathing efficiency.
Those with Breathing Pattern Disorders & Unexplained Breathlessness
- Hyperventilation Syndrome – Helps control breathing and reduce dizziness.
- Anxiety-Related Breathlessness – Teaches relaxation and breathing techniques.
People with Neuromuscular & Postural Conditions
- Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy) – Supports lung strength and mucus clearance.
- Poor Posture & Scoliosis – Improves lung expansion and breathing mechanics.
Athletes & Performers Needing Breathing Optimisation
- Sports Performance & Endurance Training – working with sports physios to enhances lung capacity and breath control.
- Singers & Musicians – Helps optimize respiratory efficiency for performance.
Symptoms that indicate you may need to see a respiratory physio
Below are a list of symptoms that indicate you may find an assessment with a chest physiotherapist useful
- Breathlessness during daily activities
- Persistent cough with mucus production
- Frequent chest infections
- Wheezing or tightness in the chest
- Reduced ability to exercise or perform normal tasks
- Feeling easily fatigued due to breathing difficulties
Treatments for respiratory physio
Airway clearance techniques
- Postural drainage
- ACBT (active cycle breathing techniques)
- Percussions and vibration therapies
Breathing devices
- Posiotive expiratory pressure devices or PEP devices
- Ossicalatory devices (flutter or acapella)
Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Specific exercise programs to improve lung function and endurance
- Education on breathing control, energy conservation & recovery
Educating and self management
- Understanding your condition allows you to take control of you symptoms.
Breathing retraining
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Pursed-lip breathing
- Recovery positioining
- Techniques to reduce hyperventilation and anxiety-related breathlessness.
Postural education
- Improving posture can optimise breathing mechanics
- Allows enhanced lung expansion