Asthma

Nothing matters if you cannot breathe. Chest tightness, wheezing, coughing and gasping for breath are some of the signs and symptoms displayed by asthma sufferers. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, but many adults are affected as well. With this condition, the airways become narrow, sending less air to the lungs and making it difficult to breathe. Allergy substances and other factors can trigger an asthma attack.

Someone who is unable to breathe right does not get the amount of oxygen needed to provide energy to the cells of the body. As a result, energy levels are low and activity decreases. When this happens, breathing is compromised and the problem is further exacerbated. Asthma is usually treated with drug therapy and by controlling environmental triggers. However, physiotherapy can provide much needed relief from asthma and help you lead a normal life.

Physiotherapy, with its emphasis on movement, helps a person suffering from asthma to get moving, and as you begin to move, the lungs receive more air. An asthma therapy program is graded to suit the person’s physical condition. As your physiotherapist, we will educate you on the disease and the importance of maintaining a healthy level of activity. Your oxygen level and heart rate will be monitored during exercise so you needn’t worry about something going wrong.

Some of the benefits to be gained from treatment of asthma with physiotherapy at Pottsville Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic are:

• Improved breathing as your lungs receive more air
• Increased energy
• Increased endurance
• Reduced stress
• Education in breathing control, work simplification and energy conservation

Many asthma sufferers are afraid to exercise, for fear they might trigger an attack. However, as you grow stronger, your respiratory muscles, like any other muscle, become stronger and breathing soon becomes normal. We will then add to the number of exercise repetitions so as to increase endurance and make exercising enjoyable once more.

Come and visit us, your physiotherapist in Pottsville and set on your way to breathing easier.