Key points

• Respiratory physiotherapy focuses on improving breathing and lung function through targeted techniques and exercises. 

• It is beneficial for people with chronic lung conditions, those recovering from surgery and often for people with anxiety who have dysfunctional breathing. 

• The main goals of respiratory physiotherapy are to improve breathing efficiency, enhance lung expansion, clear airways, calm the nervous system and strengthen respiratory muscles. 

• Conditions commonly treated include COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, hyperventilation, panic attacks and post-surgical complications. 

• Physiotherapists teach breathing techniques like diaphragmatic, pursed-lip, paced and segmental breathing to improve ventilation, respiration, relaxation and reduce breathlessness. 

• Airway clearance methods such as chest percussion, postural drainage, and ACBT help remove mucus, improve airflow and oxygenation. 

• Personalised exercise programmes support respiratory muscle strength, improve stamina, and boost cardiovascular health. 

• Patients receive education on inhaler use, managing breathlessness, recognising symptoms, relaxation and making lifestyle changes. 

Introduction

Physiotherapy can play an important role in supporting and improving respiratory health. Specifically, respiratory physiotherapy, also known as chest physiotherapy or pulmonary physiotherapy, is designed to enhance lung function, ease breathing, and manage conditions that affect the lungs and airways. 

Whether you're managing a chronic lung condition, anxiety or recovering from surgery, physiotherapy can help you breathe easier and improve your quality of life. 

What is respiratory physiotherapy?

Respiratory physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy that focuses on assessing and treating problems related to breathing and lung function. Its main goals are to: 

• Improve the efficiency of breathing 

• Enhance lung expansion and oxygen exchange 

• Carbon dioxide tolerance 

• Clear mucus and secretions from the airways 

• Strengthen respiratory muscles 

Respiratory physio is commonly used for individuals with conditions such as:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 

• Asthma 

• Cystic Fibrosis 

• Bronchiectasis 

• Pneumonia 

• Post-surgical respiratory complications 

• Anxiety, panic attacks 

• Hyperventilation 

• Neuromuscular conditions affecting the lungs 

How physiotherapy can improve breathing and lung function 

Breathing techniques

Physiotherapists teach specific breathing exercises that help retrain the way you breathe. These include: 

• Diaphragmatic breathing – to encourage deep, efficient breathing using the diaphragm. 

• Pursed-lip breathing – to help control breathlessness. 

• Paced breathing – to induce relaxation, concentration and oxygenation. 

• Segmental breathing – to target specific areas of the lungs for better expansion. 

These techniques improve ventilation, reduce effort during breathing, and increase oxygen intakeuptake. 

Airway clearance methods

For individuals with mucus-producing conditions like bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis, clearing the airways is essential. Physiotherapists use a range of methods such as: 

• Chest percussion and vibration 

• Postural drainage 

• Active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) 

• Directed coughing and huffing techniques 

These particular interventions help loosen and remove mucus from the airways, reducing infection risk and improving airflow. 

Tailored exercise programmes

Exercise is vital in strengthening the muscles involved in breathing and, improving overall lung function and efficient energy production. Your physiotherapist can design a personalised plan that may include: 

• Aerobic exercises (e.g., walking, cycling) 

• Strength training 

• Flexibility exercises 

Regular, guided physical activity can improve stamina, reduce breathlessness during daily tasks, aid sleep and boost cardiovascular health. 

Education & self-management support

Understanding your condition is key to long-term management. Physiotherapists provide practical advice and education on: 

• Proper inhaler use 

• Recognising early signs of exacerbation 

• Techniques to manage breathlessness 

• Relaxation  

• Dysfunctional breathing patterns including hyperventilation 

• Lifestyle changes to support lung health 

Empowering patients through education leads to better outcomes and fewer hospital visits. 

Talk to Active+ about respiratory physiotherapy 

At Active+, we provide specialised respiratory physiotherapy services designed to support better breathing, lung health, and overall well-being.  Click here to find a respiratory physiotherapist near you.