COPD is a name given for a collection of different types of lung disease, which include chronic bronchitis, emphysema and some cases of chronic asthma. This umbrella term describes chronic lung diseases that are characterised by progressive obstruction of the airways and the flow of air in and out of your lungs and shortness of breath.
Although there is no cure for COPD, evidence shows that having respiratory physiotherapy is a very effective way to help manage the condition. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy recommends physiotherapy to help reduce breathlessness and by providing ways to manage the disease.
We know as respiratory physiotherapists that COPD can be a debilitating disease, and therefore you should not be allowed to let it take over your life and stopping your everyday activities. You should aim to manage it and not let it control you, and with the right help and support your well-being and prognosis can improve greatly with proper treatment and care.
What to expect at your first appointment with a physiotherapist?
During your initial appointment, your physiotherapist will do a full assessment and take your medical history. This will include listening to your chest and checking your oxygen saturation levels.
After the assessment, they will help and show you how to control your breathing and take deeper breaths, how to clear your phlegm from your chest, and ways to pace your activities and to get moving again with a personalised exercise programme that has been built around your needs. Every appointment you have will be aimed at getting you back to your everyday activities and letting you enjoy doing what you used to be able to do.
Depending on the severity of your COPD, your treatment may include:
- Secretion clearance
- Postural draining in a sitting and lying position
- Effective and productive coughing techniques
- Manual assistance, including percussion, shaking and vibrations
- Breathing technique retraining
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Controlling and reducing breath volume
- Controlling your respiratory rate
- Relaxation and breathing exercises
- Advice and education
- Learning the effects of allergen factors, environmental and smoking
- Illness cause and progression
- Management of your medication
- Walking assessment
- Reviewing your walking aids
- Advising you on how you can cope better in your home environment
Please call Home Physio Group on 0330 335 1016 to find out how we can help you or a loved one today.