Relaxation can help if you also use breathing techniques and chest clearance methods. Like any new skill, you will need to practice relaxation. The more you practice the easier it becomes. One of the main methods is used to recognise the tension in your muscles and learn how to release it by using small movements […]
There are pranayama yoga techniques which include breathing control. So far there has not been enough research to show if yoga breathing techniques are effective or not for people with asthma. This is why NHS respiratory clinics do not routinely offer this as a treatment for asthma. Some people with asthma find that yoga helps […]
The Papworth Method Developed in Papworth Hospital, this method has been used for over 50 years. It concentrates on using your diaphragm when you breathe. This means you are using all of your lungs and your breathing will become slower with a longer out breath. Most of the movement while you breathe should come from […]
In addition to your inhalers and medication, breathing techniques are recommended for people with asthma. For more information please see: SIGN guideline 158: British guideline on the management of asthma. These breathing techniques should be taught by a respiratory physiotherapist or in some places a specialist respiratory nurse. You may need a series of appointments […]
If you are having physical difficulty coping with your job because of your asthma, you may be offered a referral to a specialist respiratory physiotherapist for breathing control techniques or chest clearance. There may be things which you can change to make work easier. If your work involves a lot of talking, try to take […]
As your child improves their level of fitness they may be ready to think about other more strenuous exercises. Suggestions for increased exercise: Running – try joining an after school or an athletics group or find a friend who can run with them. Circuit training. Swimming or Aquarobics. Tennis or Badminton. Hill walking or Duke […]
A good place to start is to check with your GP and make sure you fully understand your COPD, your medications and how to stay as well as you can. This includes getting your flu vaccination, attending follow up appointments and so on. Discuss your work with your GP. How much physical effort you need, […]
Information and education topics are tailored to the needs of the group. Topics that the information sessions may cover are: How the lungs work. How to live well with your lung problem. How to manage a flare-up or exacerbation. How to clear your chest. Medicines and inhalers. Help to stop smoking. How to control your […]
There will be a warm up with stretches. A gentle exercise session will strengthen your muscles. This will improve fitness and will help you to do more before feeling breathless. You will feel less worried by your breathlessness. A circuit of exercises at your own pace. A cool down with stretches. Exercises in the circuit […]
When you are getting dressed: Put all the clothes you need together before you start. You could do this the day before or at a time when you have more energy. Choose clothes which are easier to put on. Stretch fabrics, loose fitting with few fastenings are often best. Polo type shirts are very easy. […]
