Chest & Breathing Physio
We are excited to offer a new breathing, chest and respiratory physiotherapy clinic. With every new chest physio appointment, we offer, free of charge, the new flutter (similar device to air physio, same concept), airway breathing clearance device. What does that mean? Well if you have any of the following conditions:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Emphysema
- Bronchiectasis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Reduced lung volume capacities
- Pneumonia
- Increased lung secretions
- Difficulty Breathing
- Difficulty with your exercise tolerance
- Feeling short of breath
- Feeling a stiff chest and poor compliance
- Or would just like to improve your breathing muscles and get rid of those secretions from your chest to help you breathe…
What does an Assessment look like?
The Physio will initially ask you a comprehensive list of questions to get an idea about your lung capacity and your exercise tolerance. They will then:
- Listen to your Chest (using a stethoscope)
- Listen to your cough
- Measure your chest expansion (how far does your rib cage move?)
- Assess your exercise tolerance
- Check our ability to use the device
Introduction to Chest & Breathing Physio
What is Chest Physiotherapy?
Chest physiotherapy, also known as postural drainage and percussion, is a type of physical therapy that involves using specific techniques to help clear secretions and mucus from the airways of the lungs.
What Is It Used For?
On the Gold Coast, chest physiotherapy is often used in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as:
- Chronic bronchitis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Bronchiectasis and
- Pneumonia.
It can also be used to improve lung function so that you can achieve more air entry and increase those total lung capacities.
It may also be used in the rehabilitation of patients who have had a recent respiratory illness or surgery.
Who Performs Chest Physiotherapy?
Chest physiotherapy on the Gold Coast may be performed by a physiotherapist or respiratory therapist, and can be done in a clinic, hospital, or at home. Our Physiotherapists here at Physioflex now complete the chest Physiotherapy and we teach each of our clients to self-manage so that they can also do their exercises at home.
Goals
The goal of chest physiotherapy is to improve respiratory function, reduce the risk of respiratory infections, and improve overall quality of life. Ultimately your breathing muscles will be healthier and stronger so that you can inspire and expire more air and deliver more oxygen to those muscles though the bloodstream.
Techniques Used in Chest Physiotherapy
Techniques used may include but of course are not limited to:
- Chest Vibrations
- Coughing Techniques
- Percussion or Chest Clapping
- Huffing Techniques
- Positive Expiratory Pressure Devices
- These can Include Flutter, Acapella or even a PEP mask
Safety and Effectiveness of Chest Physiotherapy Gold Coast
Chest physiotherapy on the Gold Coast is generally safe and effective when performed by a trained professional, and can be an important component of a comprehensive respiratory care plan. The efficacy of Physiotherapy with chronic asthma has been documented by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and can more reading on this can be found here.
Our physiotherapists will commonly use postural drainage techniques, percussion and vibrations in these positions. Equipment can often be used, for example a flutter device or PEP (positive expiratory pressure) to splint open the airways and facilitate movement of secretions to the upper airways so the secretions can be expectorated.
If you have any questions at all about anything related to your overall cardio fitness or lung condition please do not hesitate to call us and chat with one of our Physiotherapists.
