Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) includes numerous lung diseases namely chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic asthma. These diseases are caused by long-term lung damage and airflow obstruction, which result in the narrowing of airways that causes breathlessness. Continuous or years of exposure to tobacco smoke, second-hand smoke, chemical fumes, and air pollution can precipitate the development of COPD.

Aside from breathlessness, other symptoms of COPD include frequent chest infections and persistent cough with phlegm. Despite the fact that COPD has no cure, physiotherapists can help in improving a person’s overall sense of well-being. The benefits of physiothrapy for people with COPD was highlighted in an article by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy:

Studies have shown that pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are extremely effective in treating COPD. Physiotherapists are an essential part of the team of health professionals that run these programmes.

Pulmonary rehab programmes significantly improve the patient’s health by reducing breathlessness, providing ways to control the disease and by improving the patient’s ability to carry out daily activities, such as washing and dressing. Better health leads to improvements in quality of life and a reduction in hospital readmissions.

If you tend to hyperventilate (breathe too quickly) or have problems clearing phlegm from your chest, a physio can show you breathing techniques to help.

Physios also help patients manage the breathlessness caused by COPD. They can use positioning and breathing exercises, give advice on how to pace your activity, and show you ways to cope.

The different rehabilition programmes offered and administered by physiotherapists aid in improving a person’s health and reduces their risk of acquiring any kind of COPD. These programmes are said to be clinically effective compared to being admitted in hospitals. Physiotherapist play a significant role in these programmes as they instruct patients on proper breathing exercises to help them better expectorate and enhance their lung’s air capacity for improved ventilation.

It is advisable to consult with physiotherapists who specialize on respiratory conditions to ensure proper assessment. Evaluations would include advices and possible treatment options depending on the patient’s condition. It is also possible for a leading physio in London to advice their patients to stop smoking, as this is the most common cause of COPD, and refer them to pulmonary rehabilitations to help in the treatment.

A credible London physiotherapy centre like CK Physio provides a number of proven and effective services to their clients. Such services can target other physiological systems as well, including neurological, neuromusculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems.

(Source: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chartered Society of Physiotherapy)