Keeping our lungs in good condition is a major concern when we get older. Chest physiotherapy (CPT) is one of the many techniques used to improve respiratory function, particularly in the elderly. This technique is used to help clear mucus and improve breathing patterns for individuals with chronic lung problems.
In this blog we are covering the purpose of chest physiotherapy steps in detail, exploring why it’s done, how it’s done, why it is done, and potential complications, and so on—we’ll also be looking at the areas of focus regarding complications in geriatric patients.
What Is Chest Physiotherapy (CPT)?
CPT is a therapeutic technique that utilises various physical methods to help enhance lung function as well as facilitate mucus clearance from the lungs. This approach is typically employed for patients who have chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia.
It incorporates a variety of methods, like postural drainage, percussion, and vibration chest physiotherapy, to help the body remove mucus trapped in the lungs. Chest physiotherapy is done to make sure that the elderly have better lung function by clearing the airways and preventing lung infections.
The Purpose of Chest Physiotherapy
Chest physiotherapy has two main functions: to improve the efficiency of respiration and decrease the incidence of respiratory infections. In older adults with lower activity levels or reduced strength of the respiratory muscles, CPT can be crucial in:
- Clearing Mucus: Chest physiotherapy also aids in clearing mucus from the lungs, which can prevent mucus accumulation, reducing the risk of lung infections and exacerbation of chronic conditions like COPD.
- Improving Ventilation: Regular CPT may allow for lung expansion and improve overall ventilation in those with restricted lung function.
- Enhancing Oxygenation: Readily available air helps improve the transfer of oxygen to the blood and gas exchange, improving the body’s capacity to oxygenate blood and keep the organs and tissues working.
- Alleviating Symptoms: CPT may alleviate symptoms in patients with chronic lung disease, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and less fatigue.
The Four Chest Physiotherapy Steps
Chest physiotherapy should be undertaken as a structured set of steps when performed properly. These steps are necessary to guarantee the procedure works and does not hurt the patient. So, the key steps to complete this are:
- Positioning: Encourage the patient to change positions frequently to encourage drainage of mucus by gravity. These positions target different regions of the lungs, depending on where the most clearance is needed. The positions include lying on the back, side, or stomach, with the head sometimes lower than the chest, to promote drainage of mucus.
- Percussion: This type of chest physiotherapy is the most well-known. Percussion is light banging or cupping on the chest wall to help dislodge the mucus from the airways. Normally, the therapist uses his/her hands, while mechanical tools are also used in some cases. The intensity and frequency of percussion vary depending on the condition and age of the patient.
- Vibration: Vibration chest physiotherapy is normally used following percussion. The therapist puts their hands on the patient’s chest, buzzing them in a fast motion to help loosen the mucus even more. This technique breaks the mucus up for the patient to cough it out.
- Postural Drainage: Once the mucus is loosened, postural drainage is used, in which the patient is positioned in a manner that facilitates the movement of mucus in the lungs. This process is repeated for several minutes, during which the patient may be told to cough in order to drive out the mucus. Postural drainage is critical to ensuring clear lungs.
The Three Techniques Used in Performing Chest Physiotherapy
There are multiple techniques for chest physiotherapy that provide the desired results.
- Percussion: The first technique, percussion, is a rhythmic striking of the chest with cupped hands. The motion generates vibrations that dislodge the mucus in the airways, pushing it toward the larger airways, where it can be more easily coughed out. The percussion is usually done for a few minutes per lung segment.
- Vibration: In this technique, you make a shaking motion in your chest wall to help push mucus from the smaller airways. The therapist will then shake the body rhythmically while applying pressure to the chest, causing the mucus to loosen.
- Postural Drainage: It is the use of the body position to assist gravity in moving the mucus. If, say, the left lung needs more attention, a patient will be placed on their back, side, or stomach to help mucus drain out.
Chest Physiotherapy Exercises
Chest physiotherapy exercises to improve yourself (besides percussion, vibration and postural drainage) include:
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Have the patient take deep breaths slowly, which open the lungs and clear the airways. These exercises should be done multiple times a day, especially after percussion or vibration techniques.
- Coughing Exercises: Gentle coughing can help clear loosened mucus. A therapist might teach the patient how to cough effectively to bring up mucus without straining.
- Incentive Spirometry: A device that encourages the patient to breathe deeply with visual feedback. It is especially beneficial for the elderly, who have limited lung capacity.
Complications of Chest Physiotherapy
Chest physiotherapy is for the most part safe and can be safely administered by trained clinicians, but it does carry some risk and may cause complications, particularly in the elderly or in patients with significant underlying disease. Here are some complications of chest physiotherapy to watch out for:
- Rib Fractures: In patients with frail bones like osteoporotic patients, percussion can be excessive and create a risk for rib fractures.
- Hypoxia: If performed incorrectly, CPT may result in hypoxia (low oxygen levels) because of the physical effort required, especially among elderly individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
- Aspiration: It might also increase the risk of aspiration. Food or mucus makes its way down the airway, which can cause choking or lead to infection.
- Cardiac Issues: Physically exerting, certain CPT techniques may provoke heart-related issues in heart patients, especially during vigorous percussion or coughing exercises.
Best Position for Chest Physiotherapy
The best position for chest physiotherapy will depend on which area of the lungs the physiotherapy is addressing. Generally, the best position for CPT is lying in a way where gravity will help drain the mucus. Here are some examples of common positions:
- For the lower lobes: The patient should lie with the head lower than the chest (Trendelenburg).
- For the upper lobes: The patient can be supine or in a position with the chest elevated.
- Side-lying positions: This can be utilised to help drain certain sections of the lungs, according to the needs of the patient.
A trained physiotherapist will adjust the position based on the patient’s condition and the state of his lungs.
Why Choose Olive Elder Care for Geriatric Counselling?
As we’ve seen, chest physiotherapy steps are a crucial tool for maintaining respiratory health, especially for senior citizens. It enhances lung function, promotes mucus clearance, and lowers the risk of lung infections. But it’s essential chest physiotherapy be conducted under the supervision of trained professionals, especially in elderly patients who may be confronted with aggravated risks.
At Olive Elder Care, we understand the unique challenges that seniors face, and our care is personalised to support their overall health and well-being. Not only do we have experts who work with each patient to do physiotherapy but also geriatric counselling under one roof. Olive Elder Care helps you and your dear ones live healthier yet comfortably. It could be both taking care of respiratory problems or any services that you require. Connect with us today to set up a link to geriatric therapy and customised attention.
FAQs
What are the four steps of chest physiotherapy?
The four steps are postural drainage, positioning, vibration, and percussion.
What are the 3 techniques used in performing chest physiotherapy?
The 3 techniques used in performing chest physiotherapy are percussion, vibration, and postural drainage.
How to use chest physiotherapy?
Chest physiotherapy is conducted by a trained professional who guides the patient through positioning, percussion, vibration, and drainage to clear mucus from the lungs.
What is the best position for chest physiotherapy?
The ideal position differs by which part of the lungs needs to be drained. Mather conducts chest physiotherapy, positioning the patient so that gravity helps to clear mucus.
