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Most of the time, people do not know the importance of breathing until they cannot breathe normally. Specifically, for people with lung diseases, mucus production and clearing the respiratory tract are essential factors influencing breathing and health. This is where chest physiotherapy procedures play a vital role. Whether physiotherapy is very vast, chest physiotherapy is only about respiratory health and airway clearance. But what is chest physiotherapy exactly, and why is it important? This blog will cover the purpose of chest physiotherapy, its benefits, and the chest physiotherapy steps involved.
What is chest physiotherapy? It is a therapy that aids in the process of freeing the lungs from any channel blockage that hinders breathing. It is known to be used for people with chronic lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis, COPD, pneumonia, and bronchiectasis. By using specialised chest physiotherapy techniques, therapists help loosen and remove mucus, making breathing more manageable for the patient. The following is one such method that increases oxygen levels in the body, thus decreasing the incidence of lung infections.
The purpose of chest physiotherapy is to improve lung function and prevent complications. This therapy is helpful for any disease that affects the patient’s ability to clear mucus through weak or inefficient coughs. Some key benefits include:
Due to these advantages, chest therapy is advised even for acute and chronic respiratory health complications.
Many individuals can benefit from chest physiotherapy procedures, including:
If you or a loved one suffers from persistent lung congestion, consider speaking with a physiotherapist about suitable chest physiotherapy techniques.
Performing chest physiotherapy procedures correctly ensures effectiveness. Here is a step-by-step guide to chest physiotherapy that professionals follow:
Gravity treatment is another therapeutic method to expel lung mucus through gravity. This may refer to the positioning of the patient in such a manner that mucus is compelled to flow over a large airway, enabling the patient to cough it out. Steps for postural drainage vary based on the area of the lung that needs drainage.
A therapist encourages the clapping or tapping on the chest wall with cupped hands. This facilitates the clearance of thick sputum and promotes secretion movement. Percussion steps for lung clearing should be performed carefully to avoid discomfort.
In this case, during exhalation, the chest wall is gently vibrated or shaken by the therapist. This technique aids in elevating mucus, which also makes it easy to cough up.
After loosening the mucus, patients use a controlled cough technique to remove it. This helps to avoid the tiredness of the cilia and facilitates efficient removal of the mucus.
These chest physiotherapy steps for adults and children can be modified based on individual conditions.
Several chest physiotherapy techniques improve lung function. The most common ones include:
Postural drainage – It works by using gravity to drain mucus.
Sweat and Pounding – Effective in pounding your chest or back to get rid of thick phlegm.
Breathing Exercises for Lung Health – Strengthens respiratory muscles.
Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) – Combines deep breathing with coughing for adequate mucus clearance.
Forced Expiratory Technique (FET) – Helps patients remove mucus without excessive coughing.
Every method is applied depending on the patient’s condition and their tolerance.
Understanding what chest physiotherapy is and following the correct chest physiotherapy steps can significantly improve lung function. These practices are undertaken at home or professionally to remove mucus and improve one’s breathing to decrease respiratory illnesses.
The purpose of chest physiotherapy goes beyond temporary relief, it promotes long-term lung health. Several situations may require airway clearance; contact a professional if you or your loved one wants to pass through this. Lung health can be enhanced through physiotherapy, and you can achieve this by scheduling a free consultation session with QI Spine as soon as possible.
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The three primary techniques used in chest physiotherapy procedures include:
Postural Drainage Technique – This technique uses gravity to assist with mucus removal.
Percussion and Vibration Therapy – This therapy assists in thinning the mucus, which is usually thick due to the condition.
Controlled Coughing or Huffing – This ensures mucus is quickly ejected from the system.
It depends on the direction and the amount of lung that requires drainage. Some common positions include:
You should seek the assistance of a physiotherapist who will help you determine the best position depending on your situation.
The four steps of chest physiotherapy procedures are:
Following these chest physiotherapy steps ensures adequate airway clearance.
