Physical therapist treatment for COPD, which includes breathing training and exercise, can help improve the quality of life for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD, also called emphysema or chronic bronchitis, is a serious lung disease that over time makes it difficult for a person to breathe. For people who have COPD, the airways (tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs) are partially blocked, which makes it difficult to expel air. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, with more women than men dying of the disease. The number of people living with COPD is increasing.
 
"The goal of physical therapist treatment of COPD is to help people manage their illness and prevent the need for hospitalization," said Mark Smith, PT, clinic director of the Etters office of First Choice Rehab. Mark specializes in the treatment of COPD and has helped several local patients with this condition.

"COPD is a disease that causes obstruction to air flow in the respiratory system," states Smith. "This increased resistance to air flow necessitates a compensatory strategy to generate enough force to overcome the obstruction. These compensatory strategies consist of mouth breathing, forward head posture, and increased use of accessory respiration muscles, including tripod sitting which places arm and chest muscles in a position of mechanical advantage to assist with breathing." 

"Unfortunately these compensatory strategies cause restrictions of the cervical and thoracic spine and ribs", warns Smith. "The increased use of accessory respiratory muscles leads to muscle hypertrophy (larger than normal) and decreased flexibility. These restrictions cause a decrease in volume of the chest cavity. As a result, breathing becomes shallow, pH levels in the respiratory system are altered, and the patient develops shortness of breath."

Physical therapist treatment is part of a pulmonary rehabilitation program that helps individuals achieve their optimal level of activity and function. Physical therapists use breathing training methods such as diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and breathing combined with trunk movement along with physical activity to help patients "get through" periods when they feel short of breath. Exercise training for COPD often includes aerobic exercise, such as walking, using a stationary bike, or using an arm bike (a device that patients "peddle" with their arms instead of their legs), and muscle-strengthening exercises for arms and legs.

Smith concludes, "Patients should ask their family doctor or specialist if COPD Physical Therapy is right for them. Studies have shown that people with chronic lung disease who maintain physical fitness remain in better health than those who live sedentary lifestyles."