For many people in Covid-19 recovery, breathing problems can lead to intense anxiety.
Rogier van Bever Donker, the President of the South African Society of Physiotherapy says this anxiety is natural – especially when you are struggling to breath. Fortunately, trained professionals are available to help.
“Your physiotherapist can show you a number of simple ways to facilitate breathing, and that’s empowering,” he adds. “Physiotherapists can also help with breathing exercises that strengthen your lungs – and at the same time, help calm your anxiety.”
While a recommended exercise is lying prone (on your stomach), physiotherapists also recommend placing a pillow on a table, sitting with your feet flat on the floor, leaning forward and placing your forearms on the pillow. Rest your head on your arms and breath in and out. A similar exercise is standing, leaning forward and placing your hands on the knees or thighs.
Van Bever Donker adds that physiotherapists teach diaphragmatic breathing to have a positive impact on mental and physical health. Belly breathing, or pulling in air from the core muscle between the lungs and stomach, is better for your lungs and helps you relax.
“Physiotherapists can guide you with other techniques, such as visualisation, to calm anxiety too. Our job is to help you reach optimum health, wellbeing and function; so consult a physiotherapist to help you recover from this debilitating virus.”
Information adapted from a media release by Wendy Hardy (on behalf of the South African Society of Physiotherapy).
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