Respiratory Issues

Respiratory or cardiorespiratory conditions affect the lungs, airways, and sometimes the heart. These conditions can make breathing difficult, limit physical activity, and reduce overall quality of life.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent coughing
• Mucus build-up
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Fatigue during activity

Common Cardiorespiratory Conditions

Physiotherapy can play a vital role in managing several conditions, such as:

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A progressive lung disease (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis) causing airflow obstruction.

Physio focus: breathing techniques, airway clearance, pulmonary rehab, and graded exercise.

2. Asthma

Inflammation of the airways that causes wheezing, tightness, and shortness of breath.

Physio focus: breathing control, chest mobility exercises, relaxation strategies, and education.

3. Bronchiectasis

Permanent widening of the airways, leading to mucus build-up and infections.

Physio focus: airway clearance techniques like ACBT (Active Cycle of Breathing), postural drainage, and chest percussion.

4. Pneumonia/Post-Surgical Lung Complications

Lung infections or surgery can lead to fluid retention and restricted breathing.

Physio focus: early mobilisation, breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, and secretion clearance.

5. Cerebral Palsy (CP) & Cardiorespiratory Involvement

Children and adults with cerebral palsy>, especially those with more severe motor impairments, may experience:

• Weak respiratory muscles
• Ineffective coughing
• Increased risk of chest infections
• Reduced exercise tolerance

Physiotherapy in CP focuses on:

• Teaching assisted coughing techniques
• Breathing and positioning exercises to enhance lung expansion
• Airway clearance (manual and device-based techniques)
• Improving chest wall mobility through stretching
• Promoting physical activity and fitness through tailored aerobic programs

By supporting better respiratory health, physiotherapy improves energy levels, reduces infection risk, and enhances independence.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Our physiotherapists use a range of techniques to improve lung function and breathing efficiency:

1. Airway Clearance Techniques – to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs

2. Breathing Exercises – to improve lung capacity and control (e.g., diaphragmatic breathing)

3. Postural Management – to assist optimal lung expansion

4. Pulmonary Rehabilitation – supervised exercise and education for those with chronic lung conditions

5. Education & Self-Management Plans – empowering clients to manage symptoms and flare-ups

Who Can Benefit?

• People living with chronic lung disease (COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis)
• Post-COVID or post-operative patients
• Individuals with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, or stroke
• Children with complex needs and developmental delays