Functional Breathing Therapy
Functional Breathing therapy is a comprehensive and evidence based approach to addressing dysfunctional breathing. It can be defined as:
The study and application of intentional modulation and attention to various aspects of the breathing cycle to induce healing states within the body and mind or to improve physical fitness, homeostasis and resilience.
With the aim to improve overall health, breathing therapy also utilises functional movement, voice, manual therapy, breathing devices, meditation and relaxation techniques. As a therapy it changes with each person and just like other therapies it can be both pleasant and challenging.
Breathing methods have a rich history that spans thousands of years across various traditions and wisdom systems. It is with deep respect and reverence that we acknowledge these time-honored traditions and the cultures that have cultivated a wealth of wisdom concerning the science of breath.
More Pathways functional breathing therapy uses validated assessment methods and evidence based therapies to improve treatment outcomes. Treatment considers causes and perpetuating factors and combines a variety of breathing techniques and therapeutic approaches.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A BREATHING ASSESSMENT?
Validated examination of your breathing may include :
Capnography and oximetry: To measure carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Breath holds - As an indirect way to measure breathlessness, loop gain, hyperventilation and breathing drive.
Questionnaires - To measure the severity of dysfunctional breathing and identify underlying conditions such as anxiety.
Lung function - To look for signs of COPD.
Heart Rate Variability assessment - To test the autonomic nervous system and circulatory interactions with breathing.
Airway screen - Looking at the function of the tongue, throat and nose and how they developed.
Cranio-dental and stomatognathic screen - To determine if there are any developmental factors such as tongue tie, cranial strains or vocal cord dysfunction.
Postural assessment - To see how the body is working as a whole and how dysfunctional breathing may be impacting the muscles. To assess core stability, rib cage mobility, balance and proprioception from the feet up.
Diaphragm strength - To test how well you can use the full 360 degrees of your diaphragm muscle.
Breathing pattern evaluation - Manual examination of the thoracic cage to assess general diaphragm use and muscle coordination.
