Physiotherapy focusing on the chest region for individuals with cystic fibrosis and its benefits explained
Chest physical therapy, or CPT, is a vital treatment technique for individuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF). This integrated approach, also known as chest physiotherapy, is standard care for managing chronic lung infections and maintaining airway patency.
The main techniques in CPT include postural drainage, percussion (clapping), vibration, deep breathing exercises with devices, and coughing.
Postural drainage involves positioning the patient so that gravity helps drain mucus from different lung segments. Proper execution requires placing the patient in specific positions where the affected lung area is higher, allowing mucus to move toward the central airways for easier expectoration.
Percussion, using cupped hands to rhythmically clap on the chest wall over targeted lung segments, loosens mucus. It is essential to ensure hands are cupped and percussion is firm but not painful, usually performed by a caregiver or therapist with the patient in the correct postural drainage position.
Following percussion, vibration is applied to further loosen mucus. This technique involves gentle, rapid shaking movements with the hands over the chest wall.
Deep breathing exercises with devices, such as the AirPhysio, combine airway clearance with lung conditioning by encouraging deep breathing and enhancing mucus clearance.
Lastly, instructing the patient to cough effectively is crucial for clearing the mucus.
Proper execution of these techniques involves starting with positioning the patient appropriately for postural drainage, tailored to which lung segments are affected. Following positioning, percussion is performed to loosen secretions. Then, vibration is applied while the patient exhales to move mucus centrally. Lastly, the patient is instructed to cough effectively to clear the mucus.
Regular sessions coordinated by a physiotherapist are important to maximize benefits. Additionally, breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic (belly) breathing are encouraged to improve lung function and breathing efficiency.
Chest physical therapy can help relieve symptoms and manage potential complications of cystic fibrosis. It plays a role in improving the long-term health of people with cystic fibrosis.
Each session typically takes between 20 and 40 minutes. The frequency and type of exercises recommended can vary from person to person, as they depend on the age and physical conditions of the individual.
People with cystic fibrosis can generally receive chest therapy at home, with a caregiver or relative learning how to perform the techniques from a clinician. During periodic reviews with a doctor, individuals can learn new techniques and optimize their exercises.
Doctors may recommend avoiding chest physical therapy for a couple of hours after eating a meal to reduce the risk of vomiting. Vibration therapy can be performed using hand or purchased vibrating devices, with doctors recommending the most appropriate types.
Deep breathing can be recognized by the stomach moving outward when breathing in and sinking when breathing out. During percussion, people should avoid hitting sensitive areas like the breastbone, spine, lower ribs, and stomach.
Chest physical therapy is an important part of the daily treatment plan for people with cystic fibrosis, helping to keep airways clear and can help drain the lungs. Close collaboration with specialized respiratory physiotherapists is recommended for a personalized and effective regimen.
- Chest physical therapy (CPT) techniques, such as postural drainage, percussion, vibration, deep breathing exercises, and coughing, are essential for individuals living with cystic fibrosis (CF).
- Instructing patients to cough effectively is crucial for clearing mucus, which can be loosened through percussion or vibration during CPT sessions.
- Maintaining a regular schedule of CPT sessions, often tailored by a physiotherapist, can help improve lung function, relieve symptoms, and manage potential complications of cystic fibrosis.
- Proper nutrition and mental health are also critical aspects of a comprehensive health-and-wellness plan for people with cystic fibrosis, alongside fitness-and-exercise routines and therapies-and-treatments like CPT.
- For optimal benefits and safety, chest physical therapy should be coordinated by a physiotherapist, and individuals should follow guidelines, such as avoiding therapy for a few hours after meals and avoiding sensitive areas during percussion.
