This time we will talk about the role of respiratory physiotherapy and who may need this type of treatment.
To know about respiratory physiotherapy there are several points that we have to take into account.
Application of techniques
Respiratory physiotherapy is a set of applications of different techniques that the physiotherapist will perform on a patient. These techniques are mainly geared towards three points:
Elimination of pulmonary secretions in people who have different diseases or pathologies that produce a lot of secretions and can reduce the entry of air into the lungs, therefore, they will need respiratory physiotherapy techniques
This type of therapy will also favor the improvement of the function of the respiratory muscles, as well as lung capacity, and in this way will also improve the entry of air into the lungs.
Among the techniques we can mention:
- Conventional physiotherapy
- Postural drainage
- Thoracic expansion exercises
- Breathing control / diaphragmatic breathing
- Chest percussion
- Thoracic vibration
- Chest compression
- Provoked and directed cough
- Forced expiration technique (huffing)
- Autogenous drainage
- Positive respiratory pressure
- High-frequency chest compression
- Flutter
What kind of patients may need respiratory physiotherapy treatment?
Any type of person may need respiratory physiotherapy treatment. A person who only has a decrease in that respiratory capacity due to a postural problem or some type of pathology, even a mild disease can be very useful this type of technique.
Also, when there is an increase in pulmonary secretions or when an athlete needs an improvement in sports performance. In summary:
- People who have a decrease in their respiratory capacity
- People who have pulmonary secretions
- People who need to increase their physical-sports performance
At the childhood level there is also an infinity of lung conditions, for example, among the most common are:
- Bronchitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
Other not so common but still present pictures are:
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
Physiotherapists are the ideal specialists to treat this type of pathology. With good treatment, patients improve their health considerably.
In adults, it is also used to treat other types of diseases that it is important to mention. For example:
- Respiratory diseases
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
- Pre- and post-surgery of thoracoabdominal surgeries.
- Pre- and post-surgical phase of any surgery in a patient with previous cardiorespiratory disease.
- Patients with neurological and spinal cord injuries
- Carcinogenic processes
Ideally, a physiotherapist specialized in these issues can make a diagnosis and offer you appropriate treatment for your speedy recovery.
What are the benefits of respiratory physiotherapy?
Undoubtedly, it presents a decrease in pulmonary secretions and an improvement in respiratory mechanics in the event of attacks – for example – asthmatics and dyspnea, that is, when a patient has a sensation of shortness of breath and becomes nervous. He begins to have an alteration respiratory mechanics. In that case, a physical therapist can help a lot to control this type of mechanical alterations in the lungs.
It will also improve respiratory capacity and can help prevent broncho aspiration, this happens when there is a disease, for example, neurodegenerative as in the case of Alzheimer’s.
At the same time, this type of treatment can also turn a life around for people with respiratory failure, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis. Some of these pathologies become chronic and need ongoing advice and support.
The work of the physiotherapist is extremely important alongside the doctor with whom they form an exceptional team. Visit a Physical Therapy Center to learn more details.
Covid-19 context
In the current context in which we live, respiratory physiotherapy is a very important treatment, not only for the Coronavirus itself but also for the consequences it leaves in the body, and they are increasingly complex.
The capacities of each patient must be known to avoid fatigue or some other complication. Diaphragmatic breathing must be worked on. It is also important to have good mobility and expansion of the rib cage. Directed ventilation should be practiced, slow exhalations with the mouth open. Also, drainage of secretions and forced expirations.
Summarizing
The practice of respiratory physiotherapy has served a lot to treat different types of pathologies. As we saw before, we must consult with competent professionals to obtain the best results, always according to our abilities or the patients for whom we are responsible.
