At this time of year, more people ask how to get help with breathing disorders in Bristol. The change of weather as we move into Autumn can make us acutely aware of this.
Wetter, damp conditions, cold winds and more condensation at home and work can make breathing conditions worsen.
More serious health-related respiratory illnesses can also be triggered in the Autumn.
People don’t necessarily think to ask an osteopath in Bristol for help if they are struggling with breathing.
For many, breathing issues (such as asthma, bronchitis and COPD) can be debilitating diseases and detrimental to quality of life, particularly during the Autumn and Winter.
In less severe situations, poor breathing can affect athletic performance as well as be detrimental to general mood and overall mental health.
Some people seek GP and respiratory medical advice with treatment to help.
As an experienced Bristol osteopath, I ask patients to consider the biomechanics of breathing.
Improving the biomechanics of the thorax can massively Improve respiratory health.
How do I improve my breathing?
We breathe by inhaling (breathing in) air into our lungs
The lungs exchange oxygen into our bodies and expel carbon dioxide
We then exhale (breathe out) the excess carbon dioxide.
This happens mechanically using our diaphragm (a big muscle that divides the chest and abdomen), the ribs and spine and respiratory muscle. It works a bit like a large set of bellows.
During inspiration, the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles expand the thorax (chest) and rib cage, to allow air to rush into the lungs.
We exhale by mechanically allowing the thorax and ribs to spring back, contract, and squeeze the air out of the lungs.
If the spine, ribs and muscles aren’t working well then breathing can be compromised.
Seeing an osteopath in Bristol can help to improve the biomechanics of breathing, by improving spine and ribs function and ensuring the breathing muscle and diaphragm are working efficiently.
The osteopath can ensure the breathing mechanics of the chest (the bellows) work efficiently and in a pain-free way.
For further information on how I can help you with breathing-related issues, please read this article.
To make a booking at my Henleaze osteopathy clinic, visit here.