Chest Physical Therapy
Chest physical therapy (CPT), also known as chest physiotherapy, is a set of techniques designed to help patients’ clear mucus and secretions from the lungs and airways. It is commonly used for patients with conditions that cause increased mucus production or impaired clearance, such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and pneumonia.
Goals of Chest Physical Therapy
- Enhance mucus clearance: To prevent mucus buildup that can lead to infections and respiratory complications.
- Improve ventilation: To promote better airflow and oxygenation of the lungs.
- Reduce respiratory effort: To decrease the work of breathing.
- Prevent atelectasis: To avoid collapse of lung segments by keeping airways open.
Techniques Used in Chest Physical Therapy
1.Postural Drainage:
Involves positioning the patient in specific ways that use gravity to help drain mucus from different parts of the lungs.
Positions include lying on the back, stomach, or sides, with the head lower than the chest to facilitate drainage from the lower lobes of the lungs.
2. Percussion (Clapping):
Involves rhythmic clapping on the chest and back with cupped hands to loosen mucus in the lungs.
Often performed in conjunction with postural drainage.
3. Vibration:
Using a flat hand or mechanical device to create vibrations on the chest wall to help shake mucus loose.
Applied during exhalation to facilitate mucus movement towards the larger airways.
4. Deep Breathing Exercises:
Techniques to encourage deep, diaphragmatic breathing to fully expand the lungs and improve airflow.
Examples include diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing.
5. Incentive Spirometry:
Using a device that encourages patients to take deep breaths by providing visual feedback.
Helps prevent atelectasis and improves lung capacity.
6. Coughing and Huffing:
Controlled coughing techniques to expel mucus.
Huffing (forced expiratory technique) involves taking a deep breath and then exhaling forcefully with an open mouth to move mucus from the smaller to larger airways.
Indications for Chest Physical Therapy
- Chronic respiratory conditions: Such as cystic fibrosis, COPD, and bronchiectasis.
- Acute respiratory infections: Such as pneumonia or bronchitis, especially when associated with increased mucus production.
- Post-operative care: To prevent respiratory complications like atelectasis after surgery.
- Neuromuscular disorders: That impair the ability to cough and clear secretions, such as muscular dystrophy or spinal cord injury.