Deep breathing Exercises
Deep breathing can help restore diaphragm function and increase lung capacity. Breathing through the nose strengthens the diaphragm and encourages the nervous system to relax and restore itself. The goal is to build up the ability to breathe deeply during any activity and not just at rest.
Anyone can benefit from deep breathing techniques, but they play an especially important role in the COVID-19 recovery process. The exercises can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.
Pursed lip breathing
Pursed lip breathing can help keep the airways open for longer, facilitating the flow of air into and out of the lungs.
- Sit up straight — good posture can help promote lung movement.
- Breathe in deeply through the nose in a slow, controlled fashion.
- Purse the lips — they should be almost touching, as when making a “kissing” face.
- Breathe out through pursed lips — ideally, the exhalation should be twice that of inhalation.
- Repeat the deep breaths for 5 repetitions increasing to 10 as it becomes easier.
This deep breathing exercise is broken up into phases to consider individual ability. Work your way through the phases but only increase repetitions or move to the next phase when you can complete the exercise without feeling too out of breath.
Pursed lip breathing may have added benefits for people who are not very physically active and may not therefore be exercising their breathing muscles frequently.
These are basic breathing exercises that can be performed by every individual. There are various other breathing exercises which can be appropriate to specific conditions. If you are experiencing difficulties your physiotherapist can evaluate your condition and plan a specific exercise program accordingly. Contact us for more information.
