Can You Treat Chronic Bronchitis with Physical Therapy?

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a long term cough that lasts three or more months out of the year for at least two consecutive years. Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is unfortunately irreversible and usually is accompanied by COPD. It is, however, treatable. You can manage your chronic bronchitis in a variety of ways, one of which is actually physical therapy.

We tend to think of physical therapy as something for injuries like broken bones or surgeries like hip replacements. But in fact, physical therapy is simply defined as a type of treatment for dealing with health problems that make it hard to move around and do simply, everyday tasks. People who suffer from chronic bronchitis understand how difficult it can be to get up or down stairs or simply hold a conversation without coughing or shortness of breath.

Physical therapists are often part of a clinical care team that will work with patients to make their quality of life better, no matter their condition. They are licensed health care professionals with certification in physical therapy.

A physical therapist can work with patients suffering from various pulmonary disorders to help them breathe better. One tactic is simply finding better posture for sitting, standing, or walking. A prescribed position can assist with drainage and make secretions easier to cough out.

Another method is called chest percussion, which involves tapping on parts of the chest to help dislodge mucus. There’s also controlled coughing, which trains patients to cough in a particular way that will ease along mucus secretions.

These differences might sound small, but they can make a big difference. Even a short visit with a physical therapist could significantly change the way you manage your chronic bronchitis. A follow-up visit might help address the progression of your illness, and perhaps they can even begin to advise you on other activities.

In addition to education, a physical therapist can use techniques like heat, cold, water, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to assist and assess certain conditions. While you may not be able to reverse your chronic bronchitis, you can learn to live with it using a few tried and true techniques. Most importantly, you’ll know that you’re not alone.