Physiotherapy in Respiratory Care
Respiratory physical therapy is both art and science. Breathing is unique. Most of us give it little thought, it is usually automatic or sometimes voluntary and is preserved in unconsciousness. It is associated with our respiratory system of remarkable ingenuity. The respiratory system is involved in the pumping of gas into the lungs, gas exchange from lungs to tissue cells, acid- base balance, metabolism and defence of the body against the elements. An imbalance in above said leads to various respiratory ailments.
Respiratory conditions we treat include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Asthma
- Bronchectasis
- Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- Interstitial lung disease
- Pneumonia
- Sleep apnea
- Hyperventilation syndrome`
At Re-live orthopaedic , physiotherapy and wellness clinic we design rehabilitation program for the patients with all the above respiratory ailments and more to help the patient in returning to a full and productive life.
Various components may be included in the respiratory rehabilitation program namely:
Assessment
- Background information
- Respiratory function tests
- Chest expansion,measurement
- Checking breathing rate,capacity,enduarnce, strength
- Breathlessness and Quality of life
- Exercise testing
Education
- Awarness of the condition
- Indepth knowledge sharing
- Adaptation to the present condition and improvement
- Motivation
- Understanding reactions to the disease
- Smoking Withdrawl
Energy Conservation Techniques
- Modifying activities of daily living
- Stress reduction
- Advising non use of accessory muscles of respiration
- Relaxation techniques (alexander technique, feldenkrais method, yoga)
Inspiratory Muscle Training
- Breathing exercises( diaphragmatic breathing, intercostal expansion exercises etc.)
- Breathing re-education
- Pacing
- Sniff
- Neurophysiological facilitation
- Rib springing
Clearing Secretions
- Hydration and humidification
- Postural drainage
- Breathing techniques( active cycle of breathing, autogenic drainage)
- Cough facilitation
Exercise Prescription
- Mode
- Intensity
- Duration
- Frequency
Outcomes of Respiratory Physical Therapy
- It helps in reducing the work of breathing
- improves the lung volume and lung functions
- helps in removal of secretions
- thus bringing the patient back to his normal productive life.