Chest Physical Therapy for Children: What is it? Who needs it? And how can we help?

What is it?

Chest physical therapy is a type of therapy that helps infants get rid of extra mucus that builds up in their lungs. By removing the mucus the child can breathe better and get more oxygen into their body. 

Who needs Chest PT? 

Generally everyone has a healthy amount of mucus in their lungs for them to function correctly, however there are certain diagnoses that cause increased mucus build-up. See below for a list of common diagnoses that benefit from Chest PT: 

• Pneumonia

• Covid

• Cystic fibrosis

• Asthma 

• A common cold and/or virus

Children, especially infants/toddlers, with the above diagnoses have a hard time getting rid of this mucus through their natural coughing. Chest PT can be crucial to prevent further infections and also improve their breathing and prevent the mucus blocking their airways. 

What does Chest PT consist of? 

There are two main techniques to chest PT

1. Percussion/cupping

2. Postural Drainage Positions

Let’s start with percussion/cupping. Most infants/children really enjoy this part. I would describe it almost like a light tapping/clapping on the child, which feels pretty good for the child and can often send them to sleep! The cupping allows vibrations to occur in the lungs which helps loosen the mucus, making it easier for the child to cough it up. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Percussion is performed 2-4 times a day in the postural drainage positions 

• For young infants, performing percussion prior to nap or bedtime can help send them to sleep 

• Percussion occurs over the entire rib cage, making sure to avoid the stomach and spine area

• Percussion is performed with either your hands or percussion cups, see images below 

• Once evaluated, your Chest Physical Therapist can review percussion techniques for you to perform on your child

Percussion is performed with either your hands or percussion cups, as shown here.

Postural drainage positions are positions that help use gravity to drain mucus from your child's lungs. Each lung has multiple lobes, and these positions ensure optimal mucus drainage. Below is a graphic of the most common postural drainage positions used by therapists.

Again your therapist will evaluate and listen to your child's lungs to determine what positions would benefit your child.

Source: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/chest-physiotherapy

What to expect from us? 

• Tiny Transformations has knowledgeable and highly trained therapists to evaluate and treat your child with chest PT needs

• The therapist will come to you to complete a thorough evaluation of your infant/child, including listening to your child's breathing 

• The therapist will complete the above chest PT treatment as appropriate for your child 

• A large part of treatment will also be hands on training with the parents/caregivers as chest PT is most effective when completed 2-4 times a day 

• We will continue to re-evaluate and adjust treatments as child progresses 

If your child has pulmonary impairments and you feel he/she might benefit from chest physical therapy, do not hesitate to reach out to Tiny Transformations to schedule an in-home evaluation!