| "Percussions" and "Vibrations" are two
hands-on physical therapy techniques used to help get phlegm out of your
lungs. The physical therapist applies a force to your chest using their
hands or a mechanical device. Both percussions and vibrations cause certain
movements in your lungs that can dislodge the phlegm that is stuck in your
airways. |
|
Percussions loosen phlegm within your lungs and make it easier for you to cough
it out. Percussions involve striking your chest, at different speeds, with cupped
hands or a mechanical "percussor". Each area of your lung that contains
phlegm is percussed for the length of time needed to loosen it. This time varies
depending on the lung disease or injury that you have. You will be moved into
many different positions that help the percussions effectiveness.
Vibrations involve the compression of the chest, at varying frequencies, while
you are breathing out. Vibrations increase the movement of phlegm up and out
of the smaller airways in your lungs. This is performed for varying lengths
of time, depending on what disease or injury that you have.
Other
Cardiorespiratory Treatments
Other
Physical Therapy Treatments