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Chest physiotherapy
Encyclopedia
Chest physiotherapy is a broad, non-specific term used to describe treatments generally performed by physiotherapists (in Canada
) and respiratory therapists
whereby breathing is improved by the indirect removal of mucus from the breathing passages of a patient. Other terms used in Australia include respiratory or cardiothoracic physiotherapy.
Techniques include clapping
or percussion: the therapist lightly claps the patient's chest, back, and area under the arms. Percussion, while effective in the treatment of infants and children, is no longer extensively used in Australia in adults due to the introduction of more effective and self-management focussed treatments. These include, but are not limited to, the use of "flutter" or oscillating positive pressure devices, PEP masks or devices (positive expiratory pressure) as well as specific exercise regimes. The exercises prescribed can include specific respiratory exercises e.g. autogenic drainage, as well as general cardiovascular exercises which assists the body to remove sputum as well as to improve the efficiency of oxygen up-take in muscles.
The utility of chest physiotherapy
in pneumonia has not yet been determined.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
) and respiratory therapists
Respiratory therapy
Respiratory therapy is a healthcare profession in which specialists work with patients suffering from either acute or chronic respiratory problems. These specialists are termed Respiratory Therapists in most places internationally but may also be referred to as Respiratory Scientists or...
whereby breathing is improved by the indirect removal of mucus from the breathing passages of a patient. Other terms used in Australia include respiratory or cardiothoracic physiotherapy.
Techniques include clapping
Clapping
A clap is the sound made by striking together two flat surfaces, as in the body parts of humans or animals. Humans clap with the palms of their hands, often in a constant drone to express appreciation or approval , but also in rhythm to match sounds in music and dance...
or percussion: the therapist lightly claps the patient's chest, back, and area under the arms. Percussion, while effective in the treatment of infants and children, is no longer extensively used in Australia in adults due to the introduction of more effective and self-management focussed treatments. These include, but are not limited to, the use of "flutter" or oscillating positive pressure devices, PEP masks or devices (positive expiratory pressure) as well as specific exercise regimes. The exercises prescribed can include specific respiratory exercises e.g. autogenic drainage, as well as general cardiovascular exercises which assists the body to remove sputum as well as to improve the efficiency of oxygen up-take in muscles.
The utility of chest physiotherapy
Chest physiotherapy
Chest physiotherapy is a broad, non-specific term used to describe treatments generally performed by physiotherapists and respiratory therapists whereby breathing is improved by the indirect removal of mucus from the breathing passages of a patient...
in pneumonia has not yet been determined.