Treatment

Research^1-5 into treatment techniques used by cardiorespiratory physiotherapists has shown them to be effective in the treatment of conditions such as bronchiectasis, COPD (including emphysema, chronic bronchitis asthma), pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, dysfunctional breathing, rib injuries and pre and post surgery and hospital stays. Additionally, evidence of exercise as medicine for the prevention, maintenance and treatment of chronic lung and heart disease is substantial⁶.^‍

Your treatment will be evidence-based and individually tailored to address the main problems that you have, and may include active cycle of breathing exercises, airway clearance and nebulise therapy using devices such as the Aerobika, Acapella, PariPEP, Flutter etc. These techniques play a significant role in helping to maintain your lung health. You may be prescribed an airway clearance device and a daily airway clearance therapy plan after your consultation.

Breathing exercises and airway clearance therapy helps to clear secretions (sputum) from the lungs, reduce breathlessness, lower the risk for exacerbations of respiratory symptoms, chest infections, and hospital admissions.

Regular, moderate intensity exercise will increase your tolerance for exercise by improving your aerobic capacity and muscle strength, and this will help you to complete your everyday activities.

A combination of breathing exercises, airway clearance and regular exercise will improve your quality of life and help you better cope with your condition.

If you are prescribed CPAP or BiPAP, long term oxygen therapy, or require help with tracheotomy care, then home visits can be arranged to review and ensure you are benefitting from these therapies.

Sean will work with you and your wider medical team, to empower you to take a more active role in your heart and/or lung health to try and optimise the best health outcomes for you.
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References

1. Bradley, J.M., F.M. Moran, and J.S. Elborn, Evidence for physical therapies (airway clearance and physical training) in cystic fibrosis: an overview of five Cochrane systematic reviews. Respir Med, 2006. 100(2): p. 191-201.

2. Dwyer, T.J., et al., Effects of exercise and airway clearance (positive expiratory pressure) on mucus clearance in cystic fibrosis: a randomised crossover trial. Eur Respir J, 2019. 53(4).

3. Main, E. and S. Rand, Conventional chest physiotherapy compared to other airway clearance techniques for cystic fibrosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2023. 5(5): p. CD002011.

4. Martin-Nunez, J., et al., Effect of Chest Physiotherapy on Quality of Life, Exercise Capacity and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel), 2023. 11(22).

5. McIlwaine, M., et al., Personalising airway clearance in chronic lung disease. Eur Respir Rev, 2017. 26(143).

6. Thompson, W.R., et al., Exercise Is Medicine. Am J Lifestyle Med, 2020. 14(5): p. 511-523.