We all take breathing for granted and rarely even consider how we do it. However, sometimes this natural function is disrupted or knocked out of its normal pattern. When we are exposed to situations such as illness, stress, anxiety, or exercise our body will naturally respond by altering the way we breathe.  These changes in the breathing pattern should return to normal once the situation has passed. Unfortunately, sometimes it fails to return to normal and you can become stuck in an abnormal pattern of breathing that can result wide range of symptoms.

We commonly see a wide range of patients such as those post a significant viral infection (most commonly at the moment it is patients post Covid infection), Patients with asthma who have had a period of trouble with repeated attacks, the recently bereaved and those suffering periods of significant anxiety or stress related issues.

Breathing retraining helps you to optimise your breathing pattern and reduce your breathlessness and any other associated symptoms.

A specialist physiotherapist will assess your breathing pattern and identify any issues with the way you breathe.

What does breathing retraining involve?

We will make an assessment of your breathing pattern and how it is affecting your body. We take self reported measures to monitor your progress, as well as reassessing key components of your breathing. The breathing retraining itself involves the following:

· Improvement in your understanding of normal breathing mechanics.

· Improvement in your understanding of optimal breathing pattern.

· Identification and improvement of your awareness of your own breathing pattern.

· Posture advice.

· Techniques in breathing control.

· Techniques in relaxation.

· Coaching on breathing control during activities and exercise.

· Coaching on breathing control during acute episodes.

What can retraining help with?

1. Breathlessness

2. Breathing pattern disorder (BPD)

3. Asthma

4. Chronic hyperventilation/Overbreathing

5. Covid recovery

6. Anxiety/ Stress reduction

How many sessions are required?

Most patients see some improvement within a few weeks, depending upon its cause and chronicity. We typically see patients for between 4-6 sessions at our Edinburgh clinics. We would aim to monitor your improvement through this process.

Our focus is on helping those with breathing issues. We understand that being able to breathe properly is a vital component of your health, well-being, and your ability to be active and enjoy life. We would look to engage you in improving your activity levels in alignment with your goals of treatment. This would be considered at your first session, when a plan would be discussed.

If you would like to see any of our physiotherapists, we have four Edinburgh Physiotherapy clinics.

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