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Outpatient Chest Therapy

What is Pulmonary Physiotherapy?

Pulmonary Physiotherapy is a collection of treatment interventions with the following aims:
  • Improve ventilation
  • Facilitate removal of secretion
  • Management of shortness of breath 

Who will benefit from Pulmonary Physiotherapy?

It is beneficial for patients who have respiratory conditions such as:

  • Restrictive Pulmonary Disease
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Neuromuscular disease leading to respiratory disorders
  • Kyphosis
  • Obesity
  • Lung cancer
  • Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Asthma
  • Emphysema
  • Bronchitis
  • Bronchiectasis

What happens when a patient is referred for Pulmonary Physiotherapy?

An initial assessment is conducted by the Physiotherapist, followed by an individualised treatment program to manage the patient’s problems. It may consist of various combinations of the following interventions:

  • Education on respiratory condition and management plan
  • Breathing techniques to improve ventilation and/or to facilitate secretion clearance
  • Positioning to manage shortness of Breath (especially during exertion) and/or to facilitate secretion clearance
  • Manual Therapy such as chest percussion and vibrations to mobilise secretions
  • Care Giver Training on the above
Patients may be given a follow-up appointment or discharge for self-management. Patients whose main problem is identified to be functional decline due to shortness of breath and/or fatigue may be recommended to participate in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program for further treatments.