Who may benefit from respiratory physiotherapy?

People with persistent mucus, recurrent chest infections, breathlessness after illness, or recovery after surgery may benefit. It can also support some long-term lung conditions when sputum is present.

What are airway clearance techniques?

Airway clearance techniques are strategies that help move mucus toward the larger airways so it is easier to clear. Examples include breathing cycles, huffing, positioning, and in some cases PEP devices.

Can respiratory physiotherapy be done via telehealth?

Telehealth may suit some people for technique review, exercise supervision, and symptom monitoring. A physiotherapist will advise if telehealth is appropriate based on your condition and home setup.

Respiratory Physiotherapy

Q: What is respiratory physiotherapy?

Respiratory physiotherapy helps manage breathing problems and mucus build-up using breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, and education matched to your needs.

Q: Can physiotherapy help breathing problems?

Physiotherapy may help when breathing problems relate to mucus retention, reduced chest movement, deconditioning, or poor breathing control. Treatment usually combines breathing exercises, airway clearance, and graded activity.

Article by Erin Runge, Chelsea Gan

Respiratory physiotherapy using a Triflo incentive spirometer to support deep breathing — A Physiotherapist Guiding A Patient To Use A Triflo Incentive Spirometer During A Respiratory Physiotherapy Session To Encourage Slow, Deep Breathing.

Respiratory physiotherapy helps manage breathing problems, mucus build-up, and reduced chest movement. It can support recovery after illness or surgery and improve day-to-day comfort for people living with long-term lung conditions. Your physiotherapist will assess your breathing pattern, cough effectiveness, and chest expansion, then match treatment to your needs and goals.

This care often sits alongside thoracic physiotherapy, post-operative physiotherapy, and physiotherapy that supports safe movement and activity during recovery.

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What is respiratory physiotherapy?

Respiratory physiotherapy focuses on how well you breathe and how effectively your lungs clear secretions. Treatment may include breathing exercises, positioning, airway clearance techniques, and education that helps you manage symptoms at home.

Some people need short-term help after a chest infection or surgery. Others need longer-term support for conditions that increase sputum or make coughing less effective.

Who may benefit?

Respiratory physiotherapy can suit many situations, including:

ongoing cough with mucus that is hard to clear
recurrent chest infections
reduced fitness or breathlessness after illness
recovery after surgery, especially when pain or immobility limits deep breathing
chronic respiratory conditions where sputum is a persistent issue

People with conditions such as bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, or pneumonia may benefit from airway clearance strategies when mucus is present. In COPD, airway clearance techniques usually suit people who produce sputum rather than everyone with COPD.

Common signs you should not ignore

Breathing issues can show up in different ways. Consider an assessment if you notice:

shortness of breath at rest or with light activity
rapid or shallow breathing
a wet cough that lingers
difficulty clearing mucus, even with coughing
chest tightness or reduced rib movement
fatigue that limits walking or stairs

Assessment: how physiotherapists check your breathing

Your physiotherapist will start with a clear history, then assess breathing rate, chest expansion, posture, and how well you tolerate activity. They may listen to lung sounds and observe how you cough. Next, they will choose techniques that match your symptoms, diagnosis, and tolerance.

Treatment options used in respiratory physiotherapy

1) Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises can help improve chest expansion and reduce breathlessness. Depending on your needs, your physiotherapist may teach diaphragmatic breathing, paced breathing for activity, and strategies to reduce “air hunger” during flare-ups.

For practical guidance, see our breathing exercises page.

2) Airway clearance techniques

Airway clearance aims to shift mucus toward the larger airways so you can clear it more effectively. Your plan may use one method or a combination. Options often include:

positioning to assist drainage (when appropriate)
active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT)
huffing and supported coughing strategies
manual techniques, such as vibration (case dependent)
positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices, where suitable

If you want a broader overview, see our airway clearance guide.

3) Positioning and chest expansion work

Simple changes to posture and positioning can improve ventilation. In some cases, targeted positions can support secretion movement. Your physiotherapist will explain what is safe for you, particularly after surgery or with reflux, osteoporosis, or rib pain.

For a trusted clinical overview of postural drainage and vibration, see this NCBI resource: Postural Drainage and Vibration (NCBI).

4) Incentive spirometry and breathing devices

Some people use breathing devices as part of a structured program. These devices may support deeper breathing, improve chest expansion, and provide feedback during recovery. Your physiotherapist will advise if a device suits your situation and how often to use it.

Incentive spirometer used for breathing exercises and lung expansion — Incentive Spirometer Used For Breathing Exercises

View the Triflo II incentive spirometer and check sizing and use guidance.

Telehealth and home programs

Home programs can work well when you have clear guidance and the right progression. Telehealth may also suit some people, especially for exercise supervision, symptom monitoring, and technique review. Your physiotherapist will help you choose a safe option based on your condition, equipment, and support at home.

What to do next

If breathlessness, cough, or mucus is limiting your daily activity, book an assessment. A physiotherapist can assess your breathing and discuss treatment options that match your symptoms and goals.