DIAPHRAGM RETRAINING & BREATHING EXERCISES

Breathing is something we all do, our entire lives, and something to which we rarely pay much attention. Focusing on breathing is one of the only ways to connect the mind and body, and is an essential tool for wellness.

Breathing is particularly important for those who suffer from stress, anxiety, high blood pressure or digestive problems. These symptoms are in many ways the result of the body staying in a fight-or-flight state due to an imbalance of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

Diaphragm Retraining Is one of the easiest and most effective methods of relaxation It is controlled, deep breathing is breathing that is done by contracting the diaphragm, a muscle located horizontally between the chest cavity and stomach cavity. Air enters the lungs and the belly expands during this type of breathing.

This deep breathing is marked by expansion of the abdomen rather than the chest when breathing. It is considered by some to be a healthier way to breathe, and is considered by some a useful form of complementary and alternative treatment.

Steps to Initiate Diaphragmatic Breathing Assume a comfortable position Concentration Visualization

Four Phases of Concentrated Diaphragmatic Breathing Phase I: inspiration (Long) Phase II: a very slight pause before exhaling (Short) Phase III: exhalation (Long) Phase IV: another slight pause after exhalation before the next inhalation is initiated (Short)

Best Application of Diaphragmatic Breathing This technique can be done anywhere (e.g., driving, exams, falling asleep, etc.) This technique can be done relatively shortly for an effect (5-10 minutes) Never underestimate the power of a good sigh!

BREATHING EXERCISES

Breathing exercise and ventilator training are fundamental intervention for that prevention or comprehensive management of impairment associated with acute or chronic pulmonary disorders. Breathing Workouts are commonly incorporated into the general pulmonary rehabilitation program of patients with acute or chronic pulmonary disorders. .

Breathing workouts are designed to restrain the muscles of respiration and improve or redistribute ventilation, decrease the work of breathing, and enhance the gas exchange and oxygenation

Active flexibility exercises, to the shoulders and trunk also help expand the chest area, facilitate deep breathing, and frequently stimulate the cough reflex. After heart surgery, pneumonia or injuries involving fractured ribs, it's not uncommon for lung ability to be impaired.

To recuperate and maintain proper breathing, physiotherapy breathing exercises might be implemented. Techniques like "huffing," a controlled type of coughing, and use of the incentive spirometer, a self-administered breathing device, are types of standard therapeutic exercises. ased on MayoClinic.com, people who have acute asthma or cystic fibrosis could also benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation exercises.

GOALS OF BREATHING EXERCISES • Improve ventilation. • Increase the potency of the cough mechanism. • Prevent pulmonary impairments. • Improve the strength, endurance, and coordination of respiratory muscles. • Maintain or improve chest and thoracic spine mobility. • Correct inefficient or abnormal breathing patterns. • Promote relaxation. • Teach the individual how to deal with shortness of breath attacks. • Improve a patient’s overall functional capacity.

INDICATIONS FOR BREATHING EXERCISES Acute or chronic lung disease. Chronic obstructive lung disease. Pneumonia. Atelectasis. Pulmonary embolism. Acute respiratory distress. Pain within the thoracic or abdominal area due to surgery or trauma. Airway obstruction secondary to bronchospasm or retained secretions. Deficit within the central nervous system that lead to muscle weakness. High spinal-cord injury. Acute, chronic, or progressive myopathic or neuropathy diseases. Severe orthopedic abnormalities, for example scoliosis and kyphosis, that affect respiratory function. Stress management and relaxation procedures.

TYPES FOR BREATHING EXERCISES.. LATERAL COSTAL EXPANSION POSTERIOR BASAL EXPANSION PURSED LIP BREATHING PREVENTING AND RELIEVING INSTANCES OF DYSPNEA POSITIVE EXPIRATORY PRESSURE BREATHING RESPIRATORY RESISTANCE TRAINIG GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL BREATHING

To help return balance, the parasympathetic system needs to be strengthened. The only way this can be done is through breath. Although breathing will go on whether we do it consciously or not, focusing on some specific techniques can help get our bodies out of fight-or-flight mode. They can be used short-term to help when experiencing a stressful situation, or daily (ideally multiple times a day) to establish a strong mind-body connection and keep the body in balance.

It takes just minutes to focus on breathing techniques It takes just minutes to focus on breathing techniques. You can do them anytime during the day if you feel stressed or on edge. If you practice these methods routinely, you will notice over time that you’re handling the day better, your blood pressure is lower and overall your body is more in balance.

By: MELODY H. MANALO CAMS- BSRT