Cardio-respiratory physiotherapy

All ages are affected, from newborns to the elderly.

a) Acute pathologies

• Pneumonias, bronchitis
• Pediatric respiratory conditions
• Post-operative complications (atelectasis, diaphragmatic paralysis, etc.)
• Pneumothorax
• Thoracic trauma

b) Chronic pathologies

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Bronchiectasis

• Pulmonary fibrosis

• Asthma

• Cystic fibrosis

• Hyperventilation syndrome / ventilatory dysfunction

• Neuromuscular pathologies (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myopathies, quadriplegia)

• Scoliosis

• Obliterative arterial disease of the lower limbs

• Support after cardiovascular or respiratory rehabilitation in the hospital sector

• Cancers

• Chest and/or abdominal surgery (follow-up before and after the operation)

• Acute event of a chronic pathology (asthma attack, exacerbation of COPD)

c) Duration of processing

Regarding the duration of treatment and the number of sessions , there is a great deal of variability depending on the nature of the pathology and the needs of each patient. A few sessions may be sufficient for some (acute pathology), while long-term daily rehabilitation may be necessary for others (severe chronic pathologies).

Cardio-respiratory physiotherapy

Cardio-respiratory physiotherapy is provided with or without a medical prescription, for people of all ages, in clinics as well as at home.

Generally, respiratory system pathologies (bronchial obstruction and/or restriction of lung capacity) are distinguished from cardiovascular pathologies (disorders of cardiac and/or vascular function) and pathologies of neurological origin (weakness/paralysis of muscles contributing to respiration).

a) The symptoms

Patients affected by a cardio-respiratory pathology will most often complain of the following symptoms:

• cough and/or bronchial congestion

• shortness of breath during exertion and limitation of daily physical activities

• difficulties or any form of respiratory discomfort

b) The rehabilitative treatment

Components of the treatment

The rehabilitative treatment requires, as always in physiotherapy, a precise assessment with each patient, and the establishment of an individualized program. The techniques mainly used will be:

• techniques aimed at opening/clearing the airways to allow optimal gas exchange (oxygen supply, elimination of CO2)
• a muscle strengthening program / reconditioning to effort to improve endurance and the ability to perform daily activities
• educational support so that each person can become as autonomous as possible in their care

Techniques

Manual and instrumental
The physiotherapist may use manual techniques, but will mainly integrate various accessories and respiratory therapy machines for the purpose of autonomizing each patient, with techniques that can be performed without supervision at home. Manual techniques (thoracic mobilizations, stretches, etc.) often provide short-term comfort, but without the benefit being able to be maintained over time: they must therefore be used judiciously.

Therapeutic exercises
In the majority of cases, the techniques are essentially active, that is to say that each patient must carry out a program of therapeutic exercises developed in agreement with their therapist. Muscle strengthening and reconditioning to effort in endurance are the pillars of cardio-respiratory rehabilitation, by improving the functioning of the heart-muscles-lungs team.

Equipment

Cardio-respiratory monitoring equipment (pulse oximeter, sphygmomanometer) are part of the essential equipment for this type of therapy. Muscle strengthening and reconditioning to effort devices (treadmill, bicycle, weights and dumbbells, etc.) are an integral part of the tools necessary for the implementation of an adapted program.

Note: the "clapping" technique has not been recommended for more than a decade, replaced by other techniques that are both much more effective and comfortable.

Documentation pour les patients mise à disposition par le GIS Cardio-respiratoire

• Luxembourg Association of Sports Groups for Cardiac Patients (ALGSC asbl)
• Luxembourg Diabetes Association (ALD asbl)
• Sport-Health Association