Physiotherapy can help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
Physiotherapy for breathing conditions
Lung disease can make breathing difficult.
Depending on the type of lung disease, common problems can be:
- difficulty getting air into or out of your lungs (shortness of breath)
- trouble getting oxygen into or around your body
- a build-up of phlegm
- fluid in your lungs
- growth of a tumour in or around your lungs
These problems can make it harder for you to move, exercise and do daily activities.
Physiotherapy uses different techniques to help with these problems.
Your physiotherapist will talk to you about your condition and symptoms.
Your treatment will depend on:
- your symptoms and condition
- your health and how well you could deal with the treatment
- the expected outcome of your illness or disease
Treatment plan
Your physiotherapist will make a treatment plan with you which may include:
- breathing exercises - techniques to reduce shortness of breath or help clearing of mucus or phlegm
- manual techniques - the physiotherapist uses their hands over your lungs to loosen mucus or phlegm
- positioning - to help lung expansion and clear phlegm
- exercise programmes - improving activity levels and fitness
- education and self-management - advice on using inhalers, nebulisers and oxygen
- prescriptions, advice and training in using devices to help clear your airway or to help with lung volume loss
- pulmonary rehabilitation classes in hospitals and community settings
Your treatment plan will help you:
- manage your condition
- know when you need help from your GP or other healthcare professionals
Accessing physiotherapy services
Physiotherapy may be provided by your local hospital or chronic disease hub. Chronic disease hubs provide physiotherapy in the community in locations such as primary care centres. Your GP or hospital team can refer you to these services.
Some HSE physiotherapy services have waiting lists. Urgent referrals are seen first.
In some cases, you might be sent to a specialist respiratory service. For example, pulmonary rehabilitation.
Private physiotherapy
You may choose to pay for treatment outside of the HSE (private treatment). Most private physiotherapists do not need a referral from your doctor.
