Respiratory Conditions

Many people are unaware that physiotherapists treat respiratory conditions. Whilst not every physiotherapist will continue to treat these conditions once graduated, all of our staff enjoy and take great comfort in helping people improve their respiratory status as this is vital to someone’s quality of life.

The main aim in respiratory physiotherapy is two-fold:

1. Increase lung capacity
2. Remove excess sputum

We use a range of techniques to achieve these goals including:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Mobility training and a gentle exercise program as indicated
• Percussion and vibration techniques to loosen sputum off the chest wall
• Techniques involving cycling through breathing and huffing/coughing
• Postural holds to help increase lung capacity and aid in drainage of excess sputum

Common Conditions Treated Include:

• Pneumonia
• Emphysema
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis