Breathing is something we do all day, every day. It’s an action that’s effortless and automatic, often going unnoticed. Yet, it’s the foundation of life, sustaining every cell in our bodies. And a physical therapist can take steps to help you improve your lung capacity before it can lead to issues, like dizziness or falls.
The basics of breathing
Breathing is important because it aids in:
- Oxygenation
- Carbon dioxide removal
- Regulation of blood pH
- Stress reduction
- Improved focus
Breathing doesn’t just happen on its own; it requires muscles to help move air in and out. Muscles involved in breathing include:
- Diaphragm — This dome-shaped muscle is located beneath the lungs. It plays a primary role in breathing. When it contracts, it flattens, pulling air into the lungs.
- Intercostal muscles — These muscles are located between the ribs and help expand the chest cavity during inhalation and contract it during exhalation.
- Abdominal muscles — While they aren’t the primary muscles for breathing, your abs help during deep breaths and forced breathing, like when you blow out a candle. They push the diaphragm up faster, allowing you to exhale more forcefully.
- Accessory muscles — Sometimes, like when you’re exercising or need more oxygen, muscles in your neck and upper chest jump in to help lift your rib cage for bigger breaths.
Breathing gives your body the oxygen it needs to function and stay healthy. However, sometimes you can experience issues that can cause you to have low lung capacity. One way to help improve your lung capacity is through physical therapy.
What is low lung capacity and what can cause it?
Having low lung capacity means your lungs can’t hold as much air as they should. This can make it harder for you to get the oxygen your body needs, especially during activities that require more energy, like exercising or climbing stairs. Several factors can contribute to low lung capacity, including:
- Lung disease — Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and asthma can damage lung tissue and reduce lung capacity.
- Aging — As you age, your lung function naturally declines, leading to a decrease in lung capacity.
- Obesity — Carrying excess weight can compress the lungs, limiting their ability to fully expand.
- Neuromuscular disease — Conditions like muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can weaken the muscles involved in breathing, affecting lung function.
- Chest wall disorders — Conditions like scoliosis or kyphosis can restrict lung expansion.
- Smoking — Smoking damages lung tissue and can lead to conditions like emphysema, where the lungs lose their elasticity. This makes it hard for the lungs to expand and take in as much air as they should.
- Inactivity — If you’re not physically active, your lungs and the muscles that help you breathe may not be as strong, reducing your lung capacity over time.
- Lung infections — Infections like pneumonia can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, making it harder for the lungs to fully expand. Scar tissue left behind by infections can also limit lung capacity.
Symptoms of low lung capacity
The symptoms of low lung capacity can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity, but may include
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Fatigue
- Rapid breathing
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of low lung capacity, it’s a good idea to talk to your health care provider for a proper diagnosis and ways you can work to improve your breathing and keep your lungs healthy.
5 techniques your physical therapist may use to improve your lung capacity
If you’re having trouble with your lung capacity, a physical therapist can help you breathe better and get more oxygen to your body. Your physical therapist can use a variety of techniques to strengthen your respiratory muscles, improve your breathing patterns and increase your overall lung function. These techniques may include:
- Breathing exercises — These exercises can help your lungs expand more fully and improve how much air they can hold. Here are some examples of breathing exercises that are effective:
- Diaphragmatic breathing — This involves using your diaphragm to take deep, full breaths. It helps you take in more air and strengthen your breathing muscles.
- Pursed-lip breathing — This technique helps slow your breathing down and makes sure you’re emptying your lungs completely. You breathe in slowly through your nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips. It’s great for helping slow down your breathing, reducing shortness of breath and improving oxygen levels in your blood.
- Chest physical therapy — Chest physical therapy focuses on the chest area and includes:
- Postural drainage — This technique involves positioning your body in specific ways to help drain mucus from your lungs. It can be helpful for people with chronic lung conditions.
- Percussion therapy — This technique involves your physical therapist gently tapping on your chest wall to loosen mucus and improve drainage.
- Vibration therapy — This technique involves using a vibrating device on your chest wall to help loosen mucus.
- Aerobic exercise — Activities like walking, swimming or cycling can help improve lung function and overall cardiovascular health. Your physical therapist can help you develop a safe and effective exercise plan.
- Strength training — Strengthening your chest, back and abdominal muscles can help improve your posture and breathing mechanics.
- Incentive spirometry — An incentive spirometer is a device that helps you practice deep breathing. You breathe in through a mouthpiece, and the spirometer measures how deeply you inhale. The goal is to make the little ball inside the device higher up each time you breathe in. This helps strengthen the lungs and improve capacity over time.
Trust Forever Fit to help you on your journey to better lung health and capacity
At Forever Fit Physical Therapy & Wellness, our personalized treatment plans are designed to meet your unique needs whether you’re looking to improve your lung capacity, recover from a respiratory condition or simply breathe easier. With our expert guidance and targeted exercises, you’ll build strength, improve your oxygen flow and feel more energized. We understand how important it is to keep your lungs healthy and strong. Let us help you breathe better and live your life to the fullest.
Contact our team today for more information about how our team can help you improve your lung health and capacity or to schedule an initial appointment.