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Asthma and Physiotherapy
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production, leading to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. While medication is the primary treatment, physiotherapy plays an important supportive role in improving breathing patterns, clearing secretions, and building exercise tolerance.
Physiotherapy Techniques for Asthma
- Breathing retraining: Techniques such as Buteyko breathing and diaphragmatic breathing help normalise breathing patterns and reduce hyperventilation.
- Chest physiotherapy: Percussion, vibration, and postural drainage help clear mucus, especially during exacerbations.
- Exercise prescription: Structured exercise programmes improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce exercise-induced bronchospasm over time.
- Relaxation techniques: Anxiety often accompanies asthma attacks. Relaxation and controlled breathing strategies help manage the panic response.
- Peak flow monitoring: Your therapist teaches you to monitor lung function and adjust activity levels accordingly.
Managing Asthma at Home
Home-based physiotherapy is particularly valuable for asthma patients because triggers are often present in the home environment. Your PhysioWay therapist can identify environmental triggers, teach emergency breathing strategies to the patient and family, and design an exercise programme that safely improves fitness without triggering symptoms.