physiotherapy advice for patients undergoing thoracic surgery

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During your hospital stay A physiotherapist will usually see you the day after your surgery, they will normally: • Listen to your chest and go through your breathing exercises to make sure you can clear any phlegm you may have. • Check your arm and leg exercises. • Help you to stand and either march on the spot or to walk up and down the ward. • Start you on an exercise bike if your chest drains are on suction. The physiotherapist will continue to do the above daily until: - • You are managing to do the exercises effectively by yourself. • You are SAFE to walk by yourself or with another member of staff The physiotherapist will usually assess your ability to climb the stairs before you go home. DO NOT DO THIS WITHOUT A MEMBER OF STAFF UNLESS OTHERWISE TOLD.
Breathing Exercises 1. Make sure your pain is well controlled (you should be able to breath deeply without feeling too uncomfortable) ask your nurse for extra painkillers if you need them. 2. Make sure you are sitting comfortably in an upright position. 3. Take a slow deep breath in through your nose and hold it for a count of three. 4. Try and sniff in an extra bit of air before you breathe out. 5. Breathe out gently through your mouth. 6. Repeat this three times. 7. Breathe normally for two or three breaths. 8. Repeat steps 2 – 7 twice more. Support your wound with your hand and ‘’HUFF’’ (this is like a short sharp breath out with your mouth open). 9. After three huffs, do a strong cough – still supporting your drain sites. If you have a lot of phlegm on your chest repeat 2 – 9 again.
Page 1: Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust PHYSIO
Page 5 and 6: Arm Exercises after surgery All exe
Page 7 and 8: What should I do when I get home?
Page 10 and 11: Exercise Progression Gradually over

physiotherapy advice for patients undergoing thoracic surgery

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