Physical therapists start working with patients in the ICU to prevent lung infections. They have coughing exercises that can help to increase the strength of a person's cough. They also suction the sputum out of patient's lung and throat if they are not able to cough it up themselves.
Weak chest muscles not only make a person's cough weak, they also make it difficult
to breathe. Physical therapists have some techniques called "deep breathing
exercises". These exercises can help increase the strength of the muscles
involved in breathing and coughing. If you have had any injuries or surgeries
involving the upper half of your body, a physical therapist will most likely
come to the ICU or wherever else you may be in the hospital, to assess your
breathing. They will then choose the breathing and coughing exercises that are
best suited to you and your medical condition. These exercises can help to prevent
complications such as pneumonia or a partial collapse of the lung, as well as
help you breathe more easily and comfortably.