Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is a multifaceted area of professional practice that deals with the management of patients of all ages with acute or chronic, primary or secondary cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Although the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems are inherently linked as they interface with all other body systems, the focus of this chapter is on examination procedures and therapeutic interventions used for the management of patients with pulmonary dysfunction. In particular, exercise interventions and manual techniques that enhance ventilation and airway clearance are presented.
The goals of cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy for patients with respiratory dysfunction are to:
• Prevent airway obstruction and accumulation of secretions that interfere with normal respiration/oxygen transport.
• Improve airway clearance, cough effectiveness, and ventilation through mobilization and drainage of secretions.
• Improve endurance, general exercise tolerance, and overall well-being.
• Reduce energy costs during respiration through breathing retraining.
• Prevent or correct postural deformities associated with pulmonary or extrapulmonary disorders.
• Maintain or improve chest mobility.
All of these goals are aimed at improving a patient’s overall ability to meet necessary and desired functional demands.
Treatment settings vary widely, from intensive care or postsurgical care units and extended care/subacute rehabilitation facilities to outpatient pulmonary centers and the home setting.

Buy the Book that holds this excerpt:

Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques (Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations & Techniques)

Related Articles