Physical therapy is often thought of solely as the rehabilitation of a person’s bones, muscles, and joints after an injury. Advances in the medical field have brought therapeutic practices to the lungs as well. These new treatment options can help individuals with lung troubles, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD for short.
COPD is a serious lung disease that obstructs the airways making it difficult for a person to breathe. It often occurs in current or former smokers but can be contracted through other means. Breathing in dusts, chemicals, and fumes can trigger the disease which makes individuals that have done work in construction more susceptible. It can also be hereditary and many people are born with the condition. Symptoms include shortness of breath during casual activities, frequent coughing, and wheezing. With over twelve million people suffering from COPD and an estimated twelve million more with some type of a lung function impairment, the new treatments couldn’t have come sooner.
These new pulmonary rehabilitation programs are aimed at helping patients achieve their highest level of function and activity. The exercises that are taught to patients are performed when there is any occurrence of shortness of breath. These breathing training methods can potentially save a person a hospital visit if done correctly. Methods include diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing. Mixed with these breathing exercises is actual, physical exercise. Short, low intensity exercise is the best way to combat COPD because it allows for the lungs to be worked without maxing out their ability. Water aerobics as well as walking can help in regaining strength and endurance.
COPD can be a crippling condition and leave individuals feeling as if they can’t complete the simplest of activities. With these new techniques, millions of people can be on the road to recovery and resume normal activities as they once did.
At Physical Therapy Experience, we employ only the best Physical Therapy Professionals. We treat patients with all kinds of diagnoses and injuries, and can get you back to everyday activities or sports by ensuring that you receive the best Physical Therapy Available. The most modern and innovative treatments available, combined with the best Physical Therapists in the area, will guarantee you getting back to your everyday self as fast as possible. With two convenient locations, call us in Smithtown at (631) 724-5788, or in Lindenhurst at (631) 486-6710 today!
RSS Feed