Open AccessThe daily physiotherapy regimen in cystic fibrosis?
Author(s) -
Leo Davids
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
south african journal of physiotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.166
H-Index - 3
eISSN - 2410-8219
pISSN - 0379-6175
DOI - 10.4102/sajp.v42i3.804
Subject(s) - regimen , medicine , physical therapy , postural drainage , compliance (psychology) , cystic fibrosis , disease , chest physiotherapy , psychology , surgery , social psychology
The aim of this paper is to question the accepted physiotherapy regimen for children with Fibrocystic Disease. Is it the most effective way of keeping the lungs clear of secretions? How much are we imposing added stress on an already stressed family? Is it not possible to design a programme which reduces stress and is socially acceptable?The traditional physiotherapy regimen of breathing exercises, postural drainage and percussion is described. Forced expiratory technique is described as well as various forms of nebulisation.The psychological impact on the family of a chronic, life-threatening disease, is discussed. Compliance with set physiotherapy regimens and the family's (especially the mother's) reaction to them is discussed.The most recent literature on the effectiveness of traditional physiotherapy techniques is reviewed.From this review as well as from personal experience, it is concluded that a rigid physiotherapy regimen is stressful and compliance is frequently poor. Suggestions are made on how to overcome this. It is stressed that this paper deals with the home programme, not with the hospital programme for acute exacerbations of the disease.