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Breathing therapy during inpatient stays Breathing supports healing

As early as the first few days after surgery, conscious breathing helps to stabilise circulation and promote healing. Breathing therapy is therefore an important part of inpatient rehabilitation at Schulthess Klinik. It supports lung function, prevents complications and contributes to general well-being.

Our breathing therapy is based on simple exercises that you can perform regularly during your stay – lying down, sitting or standing, depending on your current condition.

Exercises at a glance

Adopt an upright posture
During the day, spend time in an upright position – for example, elevated in bed with your shoulder girdle supported, at the edge of the bed or at the table. The upright posture gives the lungs more space and makes breathing easier.

Atemtherapie - Aufrechte Körperhaltung

Take deep breaths
Take ten conscious breaths once an hour:

  • Breathe in deeply through your nose (with your mouth closed)
  • Exhale slowly and fully through pursed lips
  • Make sure that your abdominal wall rises when you breathe in and falls again when you breathe out

This exercise can be performed while lying down, sitting or standing.

Atemtherapie - Tiefe Atemzüge

Take short walks
Stay active: If medically permitted, take short walks around the ward or in the hospital garden. Exercise improves breathing and has a positive effect on circulation.

Atemtherapie - Spaziergänge

Clear phlegm with the bubble PEP
The bubble PEP can help with phlegm in the lungs.

  • Take a deep breath through your nose
  • Breathe out through the straw into the bottle filled with water for as long as possible
  • Then continue breathing normally

Please do this exercise only after consulting with the treatment team. Tell the nursing staff if you feel phlegm in your lungs.

Atemtherapie - Sekretlösung

Important to know
If you have any pre-existing heart or lung conditions, please check with the treatment team whether these breathing exercises are suitable for you.

If you have any questions about breathing therapy, please do not hesitate to contact the physiotherapy team. We wish you a pleasant stay and all the best for your recovery.

Physiotherapy