Chest physiotherapy is a set of techniques used to help clear mucus from the lungs and improve breathing, especially in individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or bronchitis. These techniques include postural drainage, percussion, and vibration to help loosen mucus and improve airway clearance.
Chest physiotherapy is commonly performed by a respiratory therapist or physiotherapist and is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. The goal is to help clear the lungs, improve ventilation, and reduce the risk of infection. Patients are positioned in specific ways that help gravity assist in mucus movement, and techniques like tapping or cupping the chest are used to loosen the mucus.
Chest physiotherapy is essential for managing respiratory conditions, improving lung function, and preventing complications related to mucus buildup.