Let’s be honest, when it comes to lung (pulmonary) disorders, getting a medical massage wouldn’t even cross your mind, would it?Â
Whether you or your loved one is dealing with:
OPD – Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder: bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema = inflammation and/or spasm in the respiratory pathway
OR
RPD – Restrictive Pulmonary Disorder: pulmonary fibrosis, tumors, pneumonitis, scoliosis, obesity = inhalation is restricted
Regular medical massage treatments may have the following benefits:
- Stimulate bronchial drainage
- Improve ventilation
- Decrease respiratory resistance
- Decrease the frequency & severity of bronchial asthma attacks
- And much much more
Alongside with other therapies medical massage has been successfully utilized to improve breathing disorders. The clinical impact of therapeutic and medical massage on patients with pulmonary abnormalities is based on the fact that massage therapy is the sole medical modality capable of eliminating protective tension in the respiratory muscles, restoring their normal anatomical length and normal resting muscle tone, mechanically restoring elasticity of the soft tissue of the thoracic cage, and helping to maintain its elastic recoil during respiration.
Certain massage techniques can and will help increase fluid discharge from the lungs by loosening phlegm, especially when certain tapping or tapotement techniques are done on the back.
If you have a loved one at home with some of the above conditions, you probably already know few techniques to help them. It could be tapping on the back, vibrations to help move up and release the mucus.
Here are couple of self help techniques:
Keep in mind, with any pulmonary conditions your primary and accessory breathing muscles will be involved. This may cause you to have tight neck, tight back. They may need special attention depending on the condition. And if you decide to see a practitioner please make sure they are familiar with pulmonary conditions and comfortable working with patients. Proper body positioning and technique is essential in the outcome of the treatment.
Few supplement suggestions. If you are on a medication please consult your physician.Â
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