Respiratory, pulmonary and cardio-respiratory physiotherapy is a highly specialised area within physiotherapy. It specialises in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of clients with diseases, injuries or conditions of the lungs and/or the heart. It is also widely recognised that appropriate exercise can be effective in disease prevention and is integral to the management of those with a variety of cardiothoracic conditions.
Common conditions include; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD – Bronchiectasis; Emphysema; Bronchitis); Congestive heart failure (CCF); respiratory infection (pneumonia); Hypertension; Angina; Heart Disease; Heart or lung injury or surgery. We have also helped people after COVID19.
People with acute heart or lung conditions or flare-ups are often admitted to hospital and may encounter a respiratory or cardio-respiratory physiotherapist in hospital. Physiotherapy input may or may not continue at home on discharge or as an outpatient.
Depending on your needs, physiotherapy treatment may include;
- Deep breathing exercises (to encourage increased lung volumes and prevent lung infection and collapse)
- Hands-on techniques and breathing facilitation exercises (to expand lung capacity)
- Chest percussions and vibrations (to help loosen secretions and make coughing for chest clearance easier)
- Breathing and circulation exercises (to prevent further respiratory or vascular complications such as chest infection, and deep vein thrombosis)
- Mobility assistance (to move safely in bed, sit up, stand and walk)
- Mobility aids (advice, prescription, and instruction on how to safely use a walking aid)
- Individually tailored exercises (to control breathing patterns, improve breathlessness, build muscle strength, build muscle endurance and improve general health and wellbeing)
- Ongoing fitness programmes and supervision of active rehabilitation
COVID-19 recovery
Recovery from COVID-19 is often complex and can be approached as a team helping clients manage breathlessness, fatigue, pain and activity. Respiratory physiotherapy is one aspect to this – and coupled in with acupuncture and/or PEMF to boost energy, reduce pain as well as functional rehabilitation through guided exercise – we can really make a difference.
We are fortunate to have a highly experienced expert clinician who is able to see clients either in clinic or at your home or in a care home.
Appointment options
Assessments are either 60 or 90 minutes and follow ups are mostly 45 minutes.
The 90 minute extended session allows for a comprehensive assessment coupled with comprehensive tailored advice and guidance on managing a condition. Often people only need this one session to cover all advice and guidance. In many cases, we find that this one off longer session approach works really well as there is so much to cover and often this can be done in the one highly effective and much longer session.
To find out more or arrange an appointment please get in touch.