As a leading Henleaze Osteopath, I am sometimes asked if I can give help for patients with breathing disorders in Bristol.
There are many types of breathing disorders including asthma, COPD and in recent months the effects of Covid 19.
Surveys have indicated that more than 12.5 million people in the UK (approximately 1 in 5) have a history of asthma, COPD or long-standing respiratory illness.
According to the NHS, respiratory disease is the third biggest cause of death in England after cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Breathing disorders can be distressing, while even mild forms of respiratory issues can be restrictive on lifestyle. Extreme cases require ongoing care or hospitalization.
GPs and the NHS are well-equipped to help with medication and additional medical services to help people in Bristol who suffer with breathing problems.
Asthma typically causes difficulty in breathing, and a tightening of the airway.
There are many causes of this, such as allergy induced or exercise induced asthma. Once diagnosed, prevention and treatment using inhalers proves successful for many.
COPD covers a group of breathing disorders including chronic bronchitis and emphysema which can cause severe breathing, and predispose to chest infections and pneumonia.
NHS services are also best placed to help those with acute and chronic breathing issues. These problems can sometimes be more prevalent in the Winter.
I wrote a blog post to help patients with some top tips on common illnesses and issues in December which also provides helpful general information. Please visit here to find out more.
Symptoms from Covid-19 infections (and long Covid) often include breathing difficulties and extreme fatigue.
Can Osteopathy help with breathing issues?
Osteopathic treatments in Bristol cannot prevent or cure these respiratory diseases. But, an Osteopath may be able to help with some of the bio-mechanical issues that relate to breathing disorders.
When suffering with a breathing issue, the chest has to work much harder to draw air into the lungs and expel carbon dioxide out of the body.
The breathing processes of inhalation and exhalation requires the whole chest (thorax) to effectively act as an air pump.
Chest structures supporting normal breathing functions are:
The diaphragm (a large muscle that sits at the bottom of the chest) which helps to suck air in and out of the lungs.
The ribs attach to the spine at the back and sternum at the front of the chest.
Ribs surround the whole chest like a protective cage and must expand to allow air to flow in and compress to push air out.
Chest muscles include muscles in the back, neck and between the ribs (intercostal muscles). These muscles activate the chest to expand and contract and efficiently pump air in and out.
People suffering with a breathing disorder often find that the diaphragm, ribs and respiratory muscles become over-worked, strained and fatigued.
Osteopathic treatments can help the whole body (including the chest) improve overall muscles and joint function.
Patients visiting my Henleaze Osteopathic clinic receive help with joint and muscular strains. This also helps to improve moving parts such as the chest wall.
A Bristol Osteopath can work on the chest structures such as the ribs, the diaphragm and respiratory muscles to help reduce strain and increase efficiency.
Chronic respiratory and poor breathing can be improved in this way by osteopathic treatments.
It can also be useful during Winter months to consider Osteopathic Maintenance Treatments - find out more here.
If you would like to discuss how osteopathy in Bristol could help you with a breathing disorder, please book a consultation with me online here.
Sitting and posture also have an impact on the effectiveness of breathing. To find out the best way to improve posture, please visit here.
My Bristol osteopath clinic is fully open so if you’re looking for Covid-safe treatments, please read this news post to find out about the measures in place at my Henleaze osteopathy clinic for all patients.
To find out more about the full range of Covid-secure osteopathic treatments that I provide in Bristol, please visit here for details.