Pulmonary Atelectasis: Why You Shouldn’t Improvise Your Breathing Exercises

Why doesn’t doing breathing exercises on your own always mean you are getting the right treatment? If you have pulmonary atelectasis, it’s an important question. Respiratory physiotherapy can help you, but not in just any way.

What is atelectasis?

Atelectasis is the total or partial collapse of an area of the lung: the alveoli in that area stop filling with air normally. It can appear, for example, after surgery, after a long period in bed or when secretions are blocking the airways. The cause and the medical treatment are determined by your doctor.

What physiotherapy can do

Respiratory physiotherapy can certainly play a part. Depending on each person’s assessment, the work may include:

• Targeted breathing exercises to help air reach the affected areas again.
• Techniques to mobilise and clear secretions when they are present.
• Mobilisation and progressive exercise, because moving also helps you breathe better.

Why you shouldn’t improvise

When it comes to your lungs, improvising is not a good strategy. Not all atelectasis has the same cause or needs the same approach, and a badly chosen or badly dosed exercise may achieve nothing. The safe option is for a respiratory physiotherapist to assess your case and design a plan coordinated with your doctor. If you are thinking of looking for exercises on your own, first read why exercises from the internet can make you waste your time.

If you have atelectasis, you can come to the Good Fit gym in La Vall d’Uixó or have your sessions at home in Valencia. Book your appointment here.

The information in this article is for general information purposes and does not replace the individual assessment of a healthcare professional.