Chest physio? Who are they and what do they do?
Chest physiotherapy is not a specialised trade that require specific training by physiotherapist. It is simply a treatment modality to assist with patients who have respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis or any respiratory condition that builds thick mucus in your lungs and struggle to shift it out of your lungs. Physiotherapist can use techniques such as active cycle breathing, percussion and vibrations, PEP (positive expiratory pressure) device, and postural drainage (laying in different angles) to shift the mucus and help you breathe better.
Chest physio can be done outside the hospital setting and is available for all ages, from young infants to older adults. Depending on the level of experience the physiotherapist has, most are comfortable from seeing an infant as young as 6-month old. In the older adult group or younger group for the matter, your physiotherapist will determine if chest physio is contraindicated (not recommended!) due to conditions such as osteopenia/osteoporosis (frail bone), history of rib fracture, or high blood pressure that may lead to serious medical emergency episodes, for example, increased pressure in the brain as known as Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP).
After the initial visit, your physiotherapist will prescribe a home program for you so you can independently (or with assistant of a family member) perform.
If you are experiencing a chesty and phlegmy lung, then seek medical attention from your GP for appropriate treatment and see your physiotherapist to help you shift that stubborn mucus along!