Chest physiotherapy

What is chest physiotherapy?

Chest physiotherapy is a specialty of physiotherapy focused on the treatment, prevention, and improvement of lung function in patients with chronic or acute respiratory diseases.

It is an interdisciplinary intervention that complements medical treatments and seeks to optimize breathing, reduce symptoms, and improve the patient's quality of life. This type of therapy is especially indicated for people with:

• Neurodegenerative diseases that affect respiratory capacity.
• Chronic lung diseases such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or persistent asthma.
• Patients who, despite following their medical treatment, experience dyspnea, fatigue, or difficulty coughing up mucus, which limits their daily life.

Benefits of chest physiotherapy

The main objectives of chest rehabilitation programs are:

• Reduce symptoms such as dyspnea (shortness of breath) and fatigue.
• Improve lung capacity and respiratory muscle function.
• Promote the elimination of secretions and prevent recurrent respiratory infections.
• Increase exercise toleranc and improve patient mobility and independence.
• Optimize social and occupational integration and overall quality of life.
• Reduce hospitalizations and healthcare costs associated with respiratory complications.

Techniques used in chest physiotherapy

Chest physiotherapy programs are individualized and may include different techniques, including:

• Breathing control exercises: to optimize air intake and output.
• Bronchial drainage and expectoration techniques: help remove secretions from the lungs.
• Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices: improve lung ventilation and facilitate mucus clearance.
• Insufflation/exsufflation devices or Cough Assist: facilitate the expulsion of secretions from the airways by promoting coughing.
• Aerobic and strength training: walking, stationary cycling, and exercises to strengthen the respiratory muscles and upper limbs.
• Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation: which combines health education, physical exercises, and personalized breathing techniques.

Programs typically last between 6 and 12 weeks, with notable improvements in exercise capacity and reduction of dyspnea in most patients. 

Chest physiotherapy for children and babies

Pediatric chest physiotherapy is designed for children and infants with acute or chronic respiratory illnesses, such as bronchiolitis, childhood asthma, or cystic fibrosis.

Its objectives are:

• Clear the airways and remove accumulated mucus.
• Facilitate breathing and reduce episodes of respiratory distress.
• Prevent recurrent lung infections.
• Promote optimal lung development and improve the child's sleep and nutrition.

These therapies are painless, safe, and age-appropriate, performed by physiotherapists specializing in pediatrics.