After heart surgery, pneumonia or injuries involving fractured ribs, it is not uncommon for lung capacity to be impaired. To recover and maintain proper lung function, physiotherapy breathing exercises may be implemented. Techniques like "huffing," a controlled form of coughing, and use of an incentive spirometer, a self-administered breathing device, are examples of standard therapeutic exercises. According to MayoClinic.com, people who suffer with acute asthma or cystic fibrosis may also benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation exercises, which may include the Buteyko breathing technique, the Papworth method and Yoga breathing.
Active Cycle of Breathing Technique
In the book "Respiratory Physiotherapy: An On-Call Survival Guide," the expert team of authors describe various breathing treatments and exercises. Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) is used mainly for clearance of secretions. The cycle involves thoracic expansion exercises and forced expiration technique (FET) known as "huffing" interspersed with breathing control. Thoracic expansion exercises involve chest clapping, shaking or vibrations. An example of breathing control technique, is inhaling and exhaling through the nose slowly and calmly, while keeping the abdominal muscles relaxed. Forced expiration is performed similarly to steaming up a mirror by the quick expulsion of the breath, which is one analogy a physiotherapist may use to teach "huffing" techniques.
Manual Techniques
Percussion or chest clapping is used to loosen lung secretions. This method involves rhythmic "clapping" with cupped hands over the area of the chest retaining the fluids. It can be performed by the patient or by the physiotherapist. This manual technique is also used for ineffective coughing. Vibration and shaking are manual methods using chest wall compressions performed during the expiration breathing phase. During the ACBT cycle, these thoracic expansion exercises may be interchanged and alternated with breathing control exercises.
Incentive Spirometer
An incentive spirometer is a handheld device that gives the patient visual feedback on their performance during slow, deep breath-in exercises. A physiotherapist trains the patient how to use the device in the hospital so it can be used to exercise and strengthen the lungs, once the patient is home. The device is a clear hollow tube that contains a floating piston which rises as the patient slowly and deeply breaths in, as if sucking a thick milkshake through a straw.
Various Breathing Methods
The Buteyko breathing technique teaches you to habitually breathe less and thus reduce asthma symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Practitioners of the Buteyko breathing method, teach people how to restore their health by improving their breathing. The technique targets hyperventilation or over-breathing, which lessens oxygen deliver to the brain and may cause a multitude of health issues.
The Papworth method involves deep belly or diaphragmatic breathing, as well as nose breathing and other techniques.
Mayo Clinic health experts also list "pranayama" or Yoga breathing as a method for asthma sufferers to learn how to take deep, steady, slow breaths.
References
- Passthefracp.com: Physiotherapy in Respiratory Medicine
- Mayo Clinic: Asthma Treatment
- Medicalcenter.osu: Patient Ed/respiratory
- "Respiratory Physiotherapy: An On-Call Survival Guide"; Beverly Harden, MSc, BSc, MCSP; 2009
- Buteyko Center USA: Buteyko Breathing Method & Technique
