Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy is a specialized area of physical therapy focused on helping individuals with heart and lung conditions improve their physical function, reduce symptoms, and enhance their quality of life. With the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, this form of physiotherapy is becoming more important than ever.
What is Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy?
Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy involves the assessment and treatment of patients with both acute and chronic heart and lung conditions. This includes diseases such as:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Asthma
Bronchiectasis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Post-COVID-19 lung complications
Heart failure
Post-cardiac surgery recovery
Physiotherapists in this field use evidence-based techniques to help restore optimal breathing patterns, improve physical endurance, and educate patients on lifestyle modifications.
Goals of Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
Enhance Lung Function
Through breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, and positioning, physiotherapists help patients improve ventilation and reduce the work of breathing.Improve Cardiovascular Fitness
Tailored exercise programs gradually build endurance and strength, helping the heart pump more efficiently.Promote Functional Independence
Helping patients regain their ability to perform daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or simply moving around the house.Educate and Empower
Patient education plays a key role in long-term management, especially for chronic conditions. Patients learn about pacing, energy conservation, and how to recognize warning signs.
Common Techniques Used
Airway Clearance Techniques (ACTs) such as percussion, postural drainage, and active cycle of breathing.
Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) to strengthen respiratory muscles.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs involving structured exercise and education.
Relaxation Techniques to manage breathlessness and anxiety.
Standardised Assessment Tools such as the timed up and go, or the 6 minute walk test to compare individuals scores against normative data.
Who Can Benefit?
Anyone recovering from or managing a Cardiorespiratory condition can benefit, including:
Patients post-heart surgery or lung surgery
Individuals recovering from COVID-19 with persistent respiratory symptoms
Seniors experiencing deconditioning or reduced lung capacity
People with sedentary lifestyles at risk of cardiovascular disease
Real-World Impact
Pulmonary rehabilitation has been found to significantly reduce frequency and length of hospital admissions for COPD patients and improve quality of life. Similar benefits have been observed in cardiac rehab, which reduces the risk of future cardiac events.
Conclusion
Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy is not just about breathing exercises — it’s about restoring function, improving quality of life, and helping individuals return to the activities they enjoy. If you or a loved one is facing heart or lung challenges, consulting a physiotherapist could be a key step on the road to recovery.
Breathe better. Move better. Live better.
References:
Postel, D., Willekens, M., Werner, S., Hutting, N., & Keesenberg, M. (2022). The effects of reducing the frequency of long-term physiotherapy on patients with severe COPD: a Dutch multicenter study. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 25(4), 187–192. https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2022.2053201
Torres-Sánchez I, Cruz-Ramírez R, Cabrera-Martos I, Díaz-Pelegrina A, Valenza MC. Results of Physiotherapy Treatments in Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review. Physiother Can. 2017;69(2):122-132. doi: 10.3138/ptc.2015-78. PMID: 28539692; PMCID: PMC5435392.
Thomas E, Lotfaliany M, Grace SL, Oldenburg B, Taylor CB, Hare DL, Rangani WT, Dheerasinghe DAF, Cadilhac DA, O'Neil A. Effect of cardiac rehabilitation on 24-month all-cause hospital readmissions: A prospective cohort study. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2019 Mar;18(3):234-244. doi: 10.1177/1474515118820176. Epub 2018 Dec 14. PMID: 30547678.