Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy is an area of physiotherapy that specialises in the prevention, rehabilitation, and compensation of clients with diseases and injuries in the heart and lungs. These conditions may manifest themselves as shortness of breath, persistent cough, increased work of breathing or the reduced ability to exercise.

Common cardiorespiratory conditions include:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Congestive Cardiac Failure (CCF)
• Respiratory Infections, i.e. Pneumonia
• Hypertension
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Angina
• Heart Attack (MI)
• Heart or lung injury or surgery

It is now widely recognised that appropriate exercise can be an effective disease prevention strategy and is integral to the management of those with a variety of cardiorespiratory conditions.

In Hospital Physiotherapy
People who suffer an acute heart or lung injury, or require a heart or lung operation, are most often admitted directly to hospital. People with a chronic cardiorespiratory condition, who suffer a flare-up or exacerbation, may also require hospital admission.

While you are in hospital, your doctor may request that an Active Rehab Physiotherapist provide treatment for you. Your Physiotherapist will undertake a comprehensive assessment of your cardiorespiratory system, endurance and mobility and will then tailor a treatment program to your unique needs.

Depending on your condition, your physiotherapy treatment may include:

• Deep Breathing Exercise: to encourage increased lung volumes
• Hands-on Techniques and Breathing Facilitation Exercises: to expand your lung capacity
• Percussions and Vibrations: to help you loosen secretions and make coughing easier
• Coughing and Breathing Strategies: to help you cough and manage your shortness of breath
• Breathing and Circulation Exercises: to prevent further respiratory and vascular complications such as chest infection and deep venous thrombosis (DVTs)
• Mobility Assistance: to move safely in bed, sit up, stand and walk
• Mobility Aids: advice, prescription and instruction on how to safely use a walking frame, or other walking aids as required
• Individually Tailored Exercises: to control your breathing pattern, build muscle strength and endurance and improve your general health and wellbeing

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy also plays a large role in the prevention of common complications. When people are admitted to hospital, or are recovering after an unrelated surgery (such as an orthopaedic or abdominal surgery), your doctor may ask an Active Rehab cardiorespiratory physiotherapist to see you. The treatment provided may include:

• Deep Breathing Exercises: to prevent lung infection and collapse
• Bed, Chair and Standing Exercises: to prevent deep vein thrombosis (clots)
• Ongoing Fitness Program: Tailored exercises to help you maintain your mobility and fitness

Outpatient Physiotherapy
Following your discharge from hospital, please visit one of our Active Rehabilitation clinics where a Physiotherapist will continue to support your rehabilitation.

Outpatient treatment can include:

• Prevention or resolution of minor lung infections
• Thoracic Assessment and Mobilisations: to increase lung capacity
• Breathing Control Exercises: to optimise athletic performance.

Please contact Active Rehabilitation for more information regarding our cardiorespiratory physiotherapy services.


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