OUR PROGRAMS
Our programs are suitable for anyone who has respiratory dysfunction or disease. For patients who have poor compliance with or who are resisting mechanical ventilation /CPAP, bronchodilators or corticosteroids they provide an alternative and natural solution.
Respiratory Education
Our Breathing Retraining programs help you to understand the cause of your symptoms, recognise the disease process (where warranted), integrate practical ways of managing symptoms and cute exacerbations. (We use the Buteyko and elements of the Papworth methods in our programs). Our education programs cover the following topics:
- Understanding your condition (why do you breathe and feel the way you do)
- Breathing Retraining
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Conservation of energy
- Medication device technique (where warranted)
- Understanding your triggers and avoidance strategies
- Recognising signs and symptoms
- Behavioural changes
- Environmental and lifestyle considerations.
We may use Capnometry, Oximetry and Spirometry - pre and post bronchodilation, to evaluate and train, develop, monitor and adjust action plans. We also use Quality of Life scales and functional scores to measure on-going improvement levels.
Breathing retraining can deliver rapid improvement in symptoms for people with respiratory and associated secondary disorders.
Smoking Cessation Program
Smoking is a major contributor to COPD and Lung Disease. If after attending our breathing education and retraining programs, you wish to give up smoking ...
Our Smoking Cessation programs encompass:
- understanding the underlying emotional triggers
- counseling
- avoidance strategies
- environmental and lifestyle control
Weight Loss Management & Fitness Program
Weight plays a part in impairing your breathing and adds considerable strain to your heart, arteries and lungs.
Working with Exercise Physiologists, a program will be developed to suit you and to help you gently improve your level of fitness and lung function.
Nutritional & Wellness Programs
Working with Dieticians and Naturopaths, many patients with COPD are underweight and prone to recurring lung infections due to weak immune systems. Clinically proven, malnutrition is associated with respiratory failure and increased mortality in COPD patients. Optimum nutrition is vital in order to ensure your energy needs are met.
Conversely, those who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, are frequently overweight ... and a Dietician will work with you to help you lose weight.
Our Naturopaths help you to strengthen your immune system and can help to restore your body to it's optimum state.
Pyschological & Emotional Support programs
Depression, anxiety and the inability to cope are common side-effects of respiratory disease and dysfunction. Inability to participate in recreational activities and avoidance of social functions are common - particularly where triggers that exacerbate respiratory conditions exist (smoking, pets, dust-mite etc) Our Psychologists and counsellors will provide you with the necessary support mechanisms to help you overcome these issues.
Osteopathic & Chiropractic Wellbeing
Patients with Respiratory disease often exhibit poor postures that result in skeletal changes, which impact on the ability of the lung to expand appropriately and can affect respiratory stimulation. Where we determine that you have structural imbalances, we would recommend you undertake Osteopathic or Chiropractic therapy to restore your skeletal and muscle structures to their correct state, to ensure your diaphragm and rib cage can operate to their optimum ability.
Massage Therapy
Massage is highly beneficial for patients with helping to restore muscle balance and improve on poor posture. In conjunction with Osteopathic/Chiropractic/Physiotherapy modalities, massage can help to improve your musculoskeletal structures, improving muscle tone and balance and can help to relax you. Working with the respiratory muscles, a well trained clinical massage therapist can assist in releasing muscles that stop your rib cage from expanding sufficiently, as well as providing support for the diaphragm and abdominal muscles.
We have relationships with Allied Health professionals throughout NSW, who work with us to provide you with the best care, close to home.