Respiratory therapy is an important part of physiotherapy that aims to improve breathing, optimise lung function and increase general well-being.
Respiratory therapists work with patients who have various respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or after operations on the chest or abdomen.
Respiratory therapy includes a wide range of techniques and exercises tailored to the individual patient. These include breathing exercises to improve technique and control, positioning techniques to ease breathing, relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety, and exercises to strengthen the breathing muscles.
An important goal is to enable patients to perceive and control their breathing consciously. Training an efficient breathing technique can improve oxygen supply, reduce breathlessness and increase physical capacity.
Respiratory therapists often work closely with other health professionals, including doctors, occupational therapists, speech therapists and psychologists. This interdisciplinary approach can improve the quality of life of patients with respiratory conditions.