WHAT IS RESPIRATORY THERAPY?
Respiratory physio is a core specialty within the profession and occupies a key role in the management and treatment of people with respiratory diseases. 
What Can It Help?
  • Pre-& post-surgery preventative care
  • Respiratory conditions including COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis
  • Neuromuscular disease including muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries
  • Geriatric care
  • Sinusitis  
What Are The Benefits?
  • Improve sputum clearance and cough efficacy
  • Improve overall physical fitness and exercise tolerance 
  • Improved lung volumes.
  • Reduce dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
  • Reduce intensive care and hospital stays
  • Prevent secondary complications 
​
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The session will start with a thorough respiratory and general assessment to determine what the main problems are, and which treatment technique will be most beneficial. Various techniques may be used depending on the main problem and clinical presentation:

Percussions & Vibrations:
  • Involves clapping over the chest wall to aid in the movement of phlegm towards the central airways and is performed by the therapist.

Postural Drainage:
  • Specific gravity-assisted positions are used to assist the clearance of phlegm from an affected area of the lungs to the more central airways. From here the phlegm can be coughed up easily.

Breathing Exercises:
  • Modern and effective technique and exercises that are taught for self-management of lung problems.

Nebulisation:
  • Water vapour is breathed in which moistens airways and helps loosen phlegm to allow for easier expulsion thereof. 

Sinusitis Treatment by Ultrasound and Laser Therapy:
  • Sinuses are air-filled spaces within the facial bone which can be become infected, inflamed and swollen. Ultrasound and laser therapy can be used successfully to treat sinusitis and assist in the clearance of mucus form the sinuses.