Shortness Of Breath

/ What we treat / Musculoskeletal / Symptoms / Shortness of breath /

Shortness of breath is when a person feels short of breath. This can be when a person has exerted themselves, or due to a medical condition. Shortness of breath is when a person has a depletion of oxygen, therefore, the body is trying to consume more. This gives the feeling of shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can cause the individual distress, which is also known as Dyspnoea. This is the feeling of finding it difficult to breathe / catch their breath. There are many causes for shortness of breath, many of which go unexplained. Physiotherapy can help to overcome the shortness of breath feeling through a variety of treatment strategies.

Above: Progressive endurance exercises to address low exercises tolerance

What are the causes of shortness of breath?

The causes of Shortness of breath can be divided into three categories including:

Lung conditions
Cardiac conditions
Other factors

Some of the causes of shortness of breath can include the following:

Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Congestive heart failure
Pregnancy
Overweight
Periods of immobility

The symptom shortness of breath can be relieved through physiotherapeutic interventions.

Above: Therapist led pilates classes to improve exercise tolerance and shortness of breath

How can Physiotherapy help shortness of breath?

Physiotherapy can help the individual overcome the episode of feeling short of breath and help prepare them for any future attacks. Physiotherapy can help by:

Offering self-management strategies
Calming the individual
Giving the individual the independence to control symptoms
Offer lifestyle advice
Offer manual treatments
Exercise to decrease shortness of breath
Increase exercise tolerance

Above: Improving exercise tolerance with therapist supervised activities to address shortness of breath

What type of Physiotherapy treatments can be expected for shortness of breath?

Physiotherapists from Physio.co.uk can offer a variety of treatments to both adults and children who suffer from shortness of breath, giving them back the independence and control of their symptoms. Some of the treatments and techniques used are:

Summary

Shortness of breath is a symptom which can be frightening and leave you feeling a great loss of control over your breathing pattern. Physiotherapy works alongside you; using techniques and equipment to aid clear the secretions of your chest and help establish a controlled natural breathing pattern. For an experienced physiotherapy appointment, please contact us or call 0330 088 7800.

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/ What we treat / Musculoskeletal / Symptoms / Shortness of breath /