chest physiotherapy

what is chest physiotherapy?

Content is medically reviewed by:

Shruti Bangera, Masters In Neurological Physiotherapy, Senior Physiotherapist & SME, Portea

Chest physical therapy (CPT) is a technique for airway clearance in order to drain the lungs. The process generally includes percussion (clapping), vibration, breathing, and coughing or huffing.  

why is chest physiotherapy done?

The common uses of Chest physiotherapy or reasons of doing it include:

• To help in removal of retained or profuse secretions in airway
• To improve lung efficiency and prevent it from collapsing
• To decrease the load of breathing and make easier
• To make the ventilation-perfusion ratio optimum

who needs chest physiotherapy?

Chest physiotherapy is given to patients after doctor’s recommendations. Patients could be suffering from conditions like:

• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic fibrosis
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Pneumonias in lung regions

process of chest physiotherapy

While undergoing chest physical therapy, the patient gets in various positions to use gravity to drain mucus from the five lobes of the lungs. Every position of chest physiotherapy exercise is such that the larger part of the lung is facing downwards. When the process is combined with percussion, it is known as postural drainage and percussion (PD&P). A caregiver can be helpful in such case and can clap/vibrate the person’s chest to dislodge and send the mucus to the larger airways from where it can be coughed or taken out of the body. 

Chest physiotherapy in child suffering cystic fibrosis can be done by parents if they are well trained. Although it is recommended to get it done by physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, care givers or nurses during home visits or in the hospital. 

Other methods that could help clear airways include using specific controlled patterns of breathing and using low-frequency airway oscillation devices for mobilizing sputum. For all types of chest therapy, please ensure that it is done only after consultation from a doctor or certified practitioner. 

In addition to CPT, Doctors could recommend one or more types of chest therapy to manage the condition. These treatments can vary depending on the disease type, the severity of the disease, medical history, patient’s age, and other factors. Additional Chest PT treatments may include:

• Expectorant medicines to help in loosening lung secretions and make them more easy to cough up
• Recommendation for Nebulizer to help moisten the secretions and open the airways
• Suctioning to take out secretions that you are not able to cough out

how long does cpt take?

In most cases, each treatment session can last between 20 to 40 minutes. It is advisable to do CPT before meals or two hours after eating, so that there are low chances of vomiting. Early mornings are usually recommended. The physiotherapist could increase the length of each CPT session and its frequency in a day if the person is feeling more congested or getting sick. The therapist can recommend what all positions are needed, how frequently and how long CPT should be done.

making cpt comfortable and enjoyable

• Before the session caregiver should talk to the patient and make him/her comfortable
• Before starting, the patient should remove tight clothes, jewelry etc. Light and soft clothing, such as a cotton T-shirt, may be worn
• The caregiver should also remove rings and any bulky body accessory, such as watches or bracelets
• It is not recommended to do CPT on bare skin 
• Place few tissues or any tumbler nearby to cough out the mucus 
• The bed or place where the patient lies on should be at a convenient height for the caregiver
• You can use pillows or sofa cushions for support or cribs with adjustable mattress heights
• For pediatric chest physiotherapy, infants should be placed comfortably in caregiver’s lap with or without pillows

possible side effects of cpt

Side effects of CPT are rare but in few cases the patient could feel the following:

• Trouble in breathing
• Unrelieved coughing
• Pain
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Gastroesophageal reflux

Call your healthcare provider for help if side effects are severe.

why do you need a physiotherapist?

Chest therapy should ideally be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist; however, it is also possible for someone from your family to get trained. The physiotherapist can teach you to perform some basic therapies on your own. For conditions when complex movements and procedures like nebulizer and drug administration are required, hire a certified professional.

Physiotherapists are better trained, experienced and effective in giving a holistic chest physiotherapy. They ensure a seamless experience and help in better recovery.

how portea helps

• Portea physiotherapists provide services to patients in the comfort of their homes
• They are experienced, trained and certified
• They assess, diagnose, and prepare a treatment plan depending on the specific needs of patients
• They are empathetic towards special needs of patients
• You can book the time slot of your session as per your convenience
• Our trained physiotherapists monitor medical reports and patient progress from advanced devices to give you better services

Also Checkout:

• Advanced Cardiac Checkup
• BP machine
• Nursing for ECG
• Lab test for Cardiolipin
• Nursing for Cardiac Cathetarization
• Cardiac Care Equipment