Pulmonary physiotherapy and occupational therapy

It consists of increasing tolerance to physical exertion, thereby improving quality of life and social participation. It can be implemented in various modalities, individual or group, in the gym with multiple types of equipment and aids, even with supplemental oxygen therapy if conditions require it. It covers all respiratory conditions, including that resulting from Covid-19 outcomes.

The diaphragm and other breathing muscles can also be affected by alterations due to lung disease, contributing to the development of dyspnea and reduced ability to walk. Training programs that specifically affect the breathing muscles can improve quality of life by reducing the perception of dyspnea.

Optimal management of bronchial secretions is one of the key components of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The application of individualized bronchial unblocking strategies (with the possible use of devices) is an integral part of physiotherapy interventions in lung-involved diseases. The goal is to reduce airway obstruction caused by secretions by improving ventilation of the lungs.

Educational intervention is fundamental to the proper management of chronic respiratory disease and is a strong point in pulmonary rehabilitation. The patient is helped to improve the management of his or her disease, such as through proper intake of inhalation therapy (and possibly oxygen therapy) and recognition of a flare-up, in full cooperation and sharing with the relevant health care personnel.

It includes thoracic and abdominal breathing exercises associated with upper and lower limb and trunk movement in order to recover physiological lung expansion.

The patient in need is helped to adapt to the use of night ventilation devices (CPAP/BPAP) by trying to resolve or at least alleviate discomfort and difficulties that may result from them.

Group activity consisting of gait training (with the possibility of including stairs) that takes place, for the Novaggio Clinic site, inside and/or outside the Clinic.

Learning to adopt strategies to control breathing so that it is slower and deeper even during exercise, so as to reduce respiratory fatigue and improve exercise capacity. It involves becoming more familiar with those postures that can alleviate the sensation of breathing difficulty and limit the stagnation of bronchial secretions.

Counseling to facilitate and promote movement, function, and quality of life for the patient with disabilities.