Cardiopulmonary

Chest Physiotherapy

Pulmonary Physiotherapy aims to improve ventilation, facilitate removal of secretions and improve management of shortness of breath for better function. Patients may be seen in the Intensive Care Unit, in the wards and Outpatient clinic. Interventions may include education and correction of breathing techniques, manual therapy such as chest percussion and vibrations to mobilise secretions and caregiver training if required. To ensure compliance, patients will be educated on the respiratory condition, and treatment goals and management plan will be discussed.

It can be beneficial for patients with respiratory conditions such as:

Restrictive pulmonary disease
Interstitial lung disease such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Neuromuscular disease leading to respiratory disorders
Kyphosis
Obesity
Lung cancer
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Asthma
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Bronchiectasis

Patients whose main problem is identified to be functional decline due to shortness of breath and/or physical fatigue may be recommended to participate in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (PRP)

Pulmonary Rehabilitation program provides individualised education, exercise and support to patients with pulmonary diseases:

Restrictive Pulmonary Disease

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or other forms of interstitial lung disease
Neuromuscular disease leading to respiratory disorders
Kyphoscoliosis
Obesity
Lung cancer

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Asthma
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Bronchiectasis

PRP includes the following components:

Cardiovascular training
Endurance training
Muscle strengthening
Breathing exercise
Education session
Goals setting

Benefits of PRP include:

Improved quality of life
Reduced exacerbations / hospitalisations / doctor visits
Improved management of respiratory symptoms especially shortness of breath
Improved coping strategies for anxiety and disease-related stress
Increased knowledge about pulmonary disease
Enhanced exercise tolerance and functional ability

Patients need to be referred by Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine (RCCM). PRP is offered in both outpatient and inpatient settings depending on patient condition and management plan. Outpatient PRP is conducted in a group format where exercises are tailored to meet individual patient functional capacity and goals. PRP package:

Outpatient:

Baseline and outcome assessment session
Once or twice-weekly exercise sessions over 8 weeks

Inpatient:

Baseline and outcome assessment session
Exercise session (Monday to Friday) for a total of 10 sessions