Treatment for Atypical Breathing: Segmental Breathing Facilitation

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This chapter will explain and demonstrate several manual techniques to facilitate the breathing pattern. The techniques will include facilitation of the respiratory diaphragm, lateral trunk expansion, upper chest, and back. How to use a balloon to facilitate respiratory system muscular control will be demonstrated. Techniques to be used for infants will also be discussed and demonstrated. The importance of proper postural alignment for breath facilitation will discussed and demonstrated.

Meet your instructor

Deanna M. Wanzek

Deanna M. Wanzek, PT, PCS, CKTI, CLT, graduated from the Mayo Foundation School of Physical Therapy in 1974. Although she has specialized in pediatrics for the past forty years, she does treat across the life span. DeDe utilizes a holistic approach to evaluation and treatment. She incorporates myofascial release, muscle…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. General Facilitation Techniques for Breathing

This chapter will present techniques on facilitating breathing in infants. This chapter will also discuss the importance of the alignment of the pelvis, rib cage, and cervical spine when doing the facilitation techniques that will be presented in the following chapters. The typical breathing pattern will be reviewed.

2. Facilitation of the Respiratory Diaphragm

This chapter will cover the use of a balloon to facilitate diaphragmatic breathing. The rationale behind the exercise and importance of positioning will be emphasized. A second technique, the diaphragm scoop, will also be explained and demonstrated.

3. Facilitation of Lateral Chest and Upper Chest Expansion From the Supine Position

This chapter will explain and demonstrate a technique to facilitate lateral and upper chest expansion from the supine position. Hand positioning and cueing will also be discussed.

4. Facilitation of Upper Chest Expansion From the Prone Position

This chapter will discuss the facilitation of upper chest, upper back, and lateral chest expansion from the prone position. Proper hand placement and verbal cueing will be emphasized. The use of a wedge in prone positioning will be demonstrated.

5. Facilitation of Upper Back Expansion and Blowing in Sitting

This chapter will explain and demonstrate a technique to facilitate chest expansion from the sitting position. Proper positioning for spinal alignment will be discussed and demonstrated. Proper hand placement will be demonstrated for lateral chest and upper chest expansion.

6. Movement and Breathing

This chapter will discuss techniques to facilitate movement and breathing. Ideas for set up of blowing activities with the use of equipment will be presented. Verbal cues and equipment placement will be discussed.

7. Other Considerations for Facilitation of Breathing/Blowing Devices, External Support

This chapter will present various blowing devices and where to find them. The “just right” resistance of the device will be discussed. The use of external support to facilitate and support the structures of the rib cage for breathing will also be covered. The types of support that can be used and where to purchase will be discussed.

More courses in this series

Musculoskeletal Components of the Rib Cage

Deanna M. Wanzek

Assessment for Breathing: History, Observation, & Musculoskeletal

Deanna M. Wanzek

Treatment for Atypical Breathing: Positioning & Mobilization

Deanna M. Wanzek