Chest Physiotherapy - Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Smoking Cessation
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Chest physiotherapy
This technique may help clear mucus from your airways if you are having trouble doing this on your own. A nurse or therapist taps on your chest or your back to loosen the secretions from your airways and make you cough. This is done in different positions to allow gravity to help drain the mucus. Although chest physiotherapy may be given as part of your rehabilitation program and can be done at home, studies have not shown a clear benefit for most people. Other devices and techniques are available to assist with clearing the secretions from your airways, and your therapist can help you choose which option works best for you and best fits your lifestyle.
| Last updated: | May 23, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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