What is Respiratory Muscle Training ?
Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) utilises a gadget that applies resistance either to inhalation, exhalation or both. Think of it as using dumbbells when exercising your arms, the gadgets generally use threshold loading (a spiral) which can be increased or decreased as appropriate. As you breathe in or out, you encounter resistance which results in strengthening of the inspiratory muscles and the diaphragm. This in turn leads to reduced breathlessness and increased ability to walk without breathlessness. There are a number of studies showing the positive benefits of RMT for people with respiratory disease.
I am on Oxygen – can you still help me?
Yes! Many of my patients are on Oxygen, either for 24 hours a day or supplemental oxygen used whilst moving around. Oxygen is a treatment of low Oxygen levels it is not a treatment for breathlessness. Even if you are very limited by breathlessness small improvements in strength can make a big difference to how much you can do. Learning how to control your breathing will make it easier for you to do your daily activities and we may even find you can reduce your Oxygen use!
What should I expect from Respiratory Physiotherapy?
Whether online or face to face visit the first thing I will do is a thorough assessment. We need to identify what your problems are and set realistic goals together. After that I will determine the treatment aims and discuss a treatment schedule with you. Treatment may revolve around improving your strength / balance, improving and correcting breathing pattern. Nothing will be done without your agreement and all treatments will be thoroughly explained to you. I believe education is part of the treatment and will endeavour to help you understand your condition and the steps to help you improve.
How have you made your services Covid safe?
I am fully vaccinated. All equipment such as stethoscopes / pulse oximeter are sanitised between patients. I wear a mask during face to face sessions. Hand sanitiser is used regularly throughout sessions and always between patients. Online sessions are safer if you have concerns regarding Covid 19
What benefits should I expect from Respiratory Physiotherapy?
Improvements in breathlessness. Improved balance, posture and reduced risk of falling. Improvements in ability to perform activities of daily living. Reduced anxiety. Increased walking distance and exercise tolerance. Better understanding of your condition and medications. Increased strength. Better quality of life.