Did you know that Physical Therapy can help improve the quality of life for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

COPD is a serious lung disease that over time makes it hard for a person to breathe. Physical therapist treatment includes breathing and exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and breathing combined with trunk movement along with physical activity to help patients with COPD when they feel short of breath. Exercise training for patients with COPD often includes aerobic exercises, such as walking or using a stationary bike, and muscle-strengthening exercises for arms and legs.
"The goal of physical therapist treatment of COPD is to help people manage their illness and prevent the need for hospitalization," said Donna Frownfelter, PT, DPT, MA, CCS,FCCP, RRT, program director and assistant professor of physical therapy at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science/The College of Health Professions in North Chicago, Illinois.