Respiratory

Looking to optimize the quality of your life?

If you suffer from chronic lung conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis or long term asthma, Downs Physiotherapy staff can help you achieve improved results with their specially designed respiratory programs.

Patients attend a supervised 8 week program meeting twice weekly for an hour of exercise and education focused on strengthening and extending the patient's abilities.

As a result, fitness levels are improved and patients feel more empowered to manage their current situation.

Five to eight people usually attend the sessions with the physiotherapist/patient ratio geared to maximise an optimal outcome for each individual.

With an emphasis on education, additional key health professionals bring their expertise to the holistic program.

They include a respiratory nurse, a pharmacist, a physician, a psychologist, an occupational therapist, a speech pathologist and a dietician.

Understanding how drugs work and interact within the body and learning how to make lifestyle changes and conserve energy are some of the topics covered throughout the 8 weeks.

Self esteem issues are also discussed to encourage patients to participate more fully in their lives.

At Downs Physiotherapy, patient education is considered a major key in unlocking successful outcomes, both immediate and long-term.

Learning to control breathing and developing a home management plan equips patients with the knowledge to better manage their disease.

For example, patients develop techniques to alleviate the symptoms accompanying shortness of breath and learn to identify when they may need to consult their doctor.

Knowing how and when to respond empowers the patient to make decisions concerning their overall health management.

For many, the experience is life-affirming and can offer a renewed sense of self for the patient and their carer.

By attending the sessions, carers gain valuable knowledge and broaden their practical skills enabling them to better cope with the needs of those in their care.

While the 8 week program is open to anyone who may benefit, it is necessary to have a referral from your GP.

While it is aimed mainly at the older age groups, younger patients have benefited from participating; for example those waiting for lung transplants and cystic fibrosis sufferers.

When taking each breath presents a challenge, the rehabilitation program increases the patient's functionality to do the 'little' things such as being able to walk to the post box to collect the mail.

For others it may increase their ability to work longer hours or expand their capacity to contribute to the household chores.

And if you are wondering whether the success of these programs is measurable, yes it is!

Patients are tested when they commence the program and at midway point to determine how they are progressing.

Throughout the process and beyond, patients are given the necessary tools and support by Downs Physiotherapy staff to effectively continue their treatment.

Call 4632 6672 to enlist help today.