Although there is no ‘cure’ for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is usually possible to improve your health and quality of life with the support of health professionals. This summary explains how physiotherapy can help.
On
Although there is no ‘cure’ for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is usually possible to improve your health and quality of life with the support of health professionals. This summary explains how physiotherapy can help.
On this page:
- What is COPD?
- How can physiotherapy help?
- What will happen when I see a physiotherapist?
- Find a physio
- How can I help myself?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and some cases of chronic asthma.
COPD is usually caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, that damage the lungs and the airways. Inhaling second-hand smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes or dust from the environment or workplace can also contribute to the development of COPD.
Figures from the British Lung Foundation put lung disease as a whole as the fourth most costly disease area to the UK, after mental health conditions, musculoskeletal diseases and heart disease. An estimated 1.2 million people are living with diagnosed COPD, but i