Cardiorespiratory

What is Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapists work in the prevention, rehabilitation and maintenance of function of clients with health problems affecting the heart and lungs. These conditions involve problems such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, increased work of breathing or the reduced ability to exercise and function in daily life.

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapists often work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in hospital settings that vary from medical and surgical wards, intensive care units, to outpatient clinics. Their role in prevention and management of lifestyle factors that lead to poorer cardiovascular health is also becoming more widely recognized.

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy treatment may include breathing techniques, specific exercise prescription and home or community exercise programs. Some people with cardiorespiratory conditions require additional support including high levels of care and specialised equipment. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapists can help guide the most appropriate services and supports for individual needs. 

Who can they help?

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapists work with people across the lifespan from newborns to older persons. Examples include:

  • Immediate care for patients admitted to hospital with respiratory disease (e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and bronchiectasis)
  • Post-surgical care (e.g. thoracic, cardiac and abdominal surgery)
  • Care for patients with high dependency (e.g. intensive care and tracheostomy care)
  • Assisting in general and respiratory medicine
  • Building walking and functional capacity for people with lung, heart or vascular rehabilitation including advanced lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, intermittent claudication, metabolic syndrome, and heart or lung transplantation
  • Community care for those with chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, or bronchiectasis, or those with other conditions impacting ventilation.

Specialist Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

Specialist cardiorespiratory physiotherapists have attained formal recognition of their expertise via Fellowship of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. This is the highest level of clinical qualification available in Australia.

Specialist cardiorespiratory physiotherapists are often involved in providing second opinions or specialist care for people with these more complex cardiorespiratory conditions. This can work in a variety of different ways. They may provide:

  • Shared-care (collaboration with the doctor and local/treating physiotherapist or other health professional)
  • Specialist care (a course of treatment delivered by the specialist physiotherapist, potentially as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Common for more complex cases)
  • Broader recommendations for management (eg. around diagnosis, recovery expectations and referral to other medical or healthcare specialists).

Every person has their story

Eugene's Story

Eugene is a 74 year old man who has a longstanding lung condition (bronchiectasis). He has previously had physiotherapy input to assist him with breathing techniques and an exercise program to assist in managing his symptoms.

More recently, he has developed a range of other health conditions including diabetes and heart failure and he has blood flow issues in his legs (intermittent claudication). 

Eugene is to referred to a specialist cardiorespiratory physiotherapist as part of an expert multidisciplinary health team to help develop a comprehensive management plan. This includes specific advice for him and his family to manage his condition, as well as linking him with other community-based services to assist with appropriate exercise and recreation activities.

Specialists

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