COPD affects millions of people around the world. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be treated, but it is a progressive illness that does not have a cure yet. Managing the symptoms of COPD usually involves taking inhaled medications and making lifestyle changes. Physical therapy may also help some COPD patients in a variety of ways.
Improving Breathing
Physical therapy can do a lot to help people improve their breathing. Breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing help to strengthen the diaphragm and reduce shortness of breath.
Proper posture can also help COPD patients have better lung function and oxygen intake. Physical therapists help their patients learn how to improve their posture through a variety of different exercises.
Enhancing Physical Endurance
Typically, COPD patients start to move less because they have reduced physical endurance. This happens because breathing is more difficult, and patients get worn out more easily.
Physical therapy helps COPD patients adopt a customized exercise program to help improve physical endurance. Activities might include walking, weight lifting, cycling, and more.
Managing Symptoms
The symptoms of COPD can be really frightening. Chronic coughing and shortness of breath are some of the most frustrating symptoms.
When patients work on improving their respiratory function, they may be able to reduce episodes of shortness of breath. Being more physically active can also help to reduce exacerbations, or periods when symptoms temporarily worsen.
Improving Mobility
If COPD patients have had the condition for a long time, they may have lost some of their mobility because they developed functional limitations. Physical therapists can work with patients to assess variables like balance, coordination, and functional needs.
From there, therapists put together plans to help patients regain some of that mobility.
Promoting Long-term Health
Physical therapy is all about helping patients live healthier, better lives. That’s true no matter what health issues they’re battling. Physical therapists help their patients make the lifestyle changes that support better health over the rest of their lives.
Enhancing Quality of Life
When COPD patients understand more about their condition and how to improve breathing and mobility, they start to rebuild confidence. There’s a lot of loss with COPD, especially as patients become unable to do some of the things they used to love doing.
Learning new ways to continue to enjoy life is incredibly helpful in reducing the depression and anxiety that can come from living with COPD.
Educating Patients and Family Caregivers
Any condition is easier to manage with education, and COPD is no different. Patients can learn self-management strategies and techniques that they can use throughout every stage of COPD. Physical therapists can also help family caregivers learn how to support the people they love.
Physical therapy works with COPD patients where they are now and puts a plan in place to help them improve. Over time, COPD patients may find that they’re more active than they were before they received their diagnosis.
As COPD progresses, patients can use what they learned to continue living the fullest life possible.
If you or someone you know needs Physical Therapy in Rochester, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 525-7742 for more information.