Breathlessness Management
Breathlessness is a normal response during physical activity. For some people, it can also happen at rest, particularly when linked to a respiratory condition or illness. Everyday tasks may leave you more short of breath than before, and breathing can feel uncomfortable, frightening, or hard to control.
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Although breathlessness cannot always be completely removed, it can be managed more effectively. By learning simple techniques such as positioning, pacing, relaxation, and breathing control, many people feel more confident, more in control, and better able to manage their symptoms day to day.
Sputum Clearance and Cough
Producing mucus (phlegm or sputum) is a normal response of the lungs as part of a natural defence system to protect your lungs and airways. Coughing up a small amount is normal, but changes in colour, thickness, or amount can cause discomfort.
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Living with a respiratory condition (such as Bronchiectasis or Cystic Fibrosis), you may notice you produce more sputum or find it difficult to clear, leading to cough, disturbed sleep, or chest discomfort. Specialist airway clearance techniques, including breathing exercises, positioning, and manual techniques, can help clear sputum more effectively and reduce the risk of chest infections.
Some people experience a dry, irritating cough that does not clear sputum. This type of cough can be disruptive to everyday activities, limit function, and become exhausting if not well controlled. A specialist assessment can help identify triggers and provide strategies to manage the cough more confidently and independently.
Assessment and Treatment of Breathing Pattern Disorders
It is normal for breathing to change during exercise, illness, or periods of stress. Many people notice this when they have a cold or feel anxious. Usually, breathing returns to normal once the situation passes. However, for some people, these changes can persist.
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A Breathing Pattern Disorder occurs when breathing becomes less efficient for the body. This may include breathing too fast or too slowly, taking larger breaths than needed, breathing through the mouth, breathing high in the chest, or developing an irregular breathing pattern.
Breathing is often taken for granted, yet it plays a vital role in overall health and wellbeing. Ideally, breathing should be quiet, effortless, and remain in the background of daily life. When this natural rhythm is disrupted, symptoms can develop.
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People may experience a wide range of symptoms, including:
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Shortness of breath during light activities
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Frequent yawning or sighing
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Difficulty coordinating breathing with talking
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Chest tightness or palpitations
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Tingling in the hands, arms, or around the mouth
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Headaches, neck or shoulder pain
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Fatigue, dizziness, or poor concentration
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Cold hands and feet or bloating
These symptoms can vary in type and severity and are often linked to stress, illness, pain, or ongoing breathlessness. If these triggers are repeated or prolonged, changes in breathing can become habitual and may not resolve without support. It is thought that breathing pattern disorders affect a significant number of people, often without them realising the impact on daily life.
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Following a detailed assessment of your symptoms and breathing pattern, you will be guided through personalised breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle strategies. The aim is to restore a more efficient, comfortable breathing pattern and improve confidence and day-to-day function.
Mobility including Falls Prevention and Rehabilitation
This service can help if you have had an illness, operation, fall, or injury and need to regain movement, restore strength, and rebuild confidence. It is also suitable if you have recently left hospital without access to timely, high-quality rehabilitation, or if you are concerned about declining mobility or increasing frailty.
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Maintaining mobility is an important part of living well, particularly when managing long-term conditions, frailty, or recovering from illness or a fall. For some people, this may include using mobility aids or equipment at home to reduce effort, conserve energy, and make everyday activities safer and more manageable.
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I provide specialist mobility assessment and rehabilitation, supporting people to move more confidently and safely. This may include advice on appropriate equipment, balance and strength assessment, mobility practice, and tailored exercise programmes to help maintain independence and achieve personal goals.
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Physiotherapy also plays a key role in falls prevention and recovery following a fall or recurrent falls, helping to rebuild confidence, improve balance and strength, and reduce future risk.
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All care is personalised, practical, and focused on supporting independence, safety, and quality of life.
Personalised Exercise including Principles of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Exercise is an important part of living well, but it can feel difficult or frightening to manage on your own — especially, but not inclusively, when living with a respiratory or long-term condition.
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With specialist assessment, guidance, and supervised exercise, personalised programmes can help improve daily function, confidence, strength, and participation in activities you enjoy, while reducing the impact of your condition on everyday life.
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Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a recommended and evidence-based treatment for people living with respiratory conditions. Using the principles of pulmonary rehabilitation, personalised exercise programmes are tailored to your individual needs, abilities, and goals to help maximise your health and independence. The focus is on improving strength, confidence, daily function, and participation in activities you enjoy, while helping to reduce the impact of breathlessness and fatigue on everyday life.
Bed-Based Mobility and Transfer Support
Specialist mobility support for individuals who are bed-bound or have very limited mobility. This includes passive, active-assisted, and active range of movement exercises, tailored to individual ability and comfort.
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Support may also include positioning, transfer practice, and gentle movement to maintain joint mobility, reduce stiffness, support circulation, and promote comfort and confidence.
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All care is delivered at a pace that feels safe and appropriate, with the aim of maintaining function, preventing complications, and supporting the highest possible level of independence.
Ongoing Rehabilitation, Habit Support and Progression
Rehabilitation doesn’t stop after an assessment or treatment plan. Many people already have established exercises or programmes in place but need support to stay consistent and get the most benefit from them.
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This service is designed to support you alongside an existing rehabilitation programme, helping you build realistic routines, improve confidence, and make your rehabilitation part of everyday life.
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We work with you to review existing plans, adapt them to suit your lifestyle, overcome barriers, and support consistent habit formation, so your rehabilitation is effective, sustainable, and achievable long term.