Recognising, and Rehabilitating Breathing Pattern Disorder Influences on Musculoskeletal Pain, Motor Control and Balance

MR LEON CHAITOW ND DO

Two day workshop

Learning objectives:

By the end of the course the participant should have:

• An understanding of the widespread influences of unbalanced breathing patterns on physical and emotional health in general, and the musculoskeletal system in particular, based on clinical and research evidence
• An understanding of the connection between unbalanced breathing and changes involving circulatory, neurological, psychological and metabolic processes, based on clinical and research evidence
• The ability to recognize signs of functional breathing pattern disorders.
• An awareness of a variety of evidence based, clinically useful, approaches to breathing rehabilitation, including the use of soft tissue methods appropriate to that process.
• An increased ability to explain to clients the value of regularly applying rehabilitation (breathing and mobilization) in the management of breathing pattern disorders

Course outline

This course will explain the presentation and symptoms of, as well as rehabilitation strategies for the widespread habit (mainly affecting females) of unbalanced respiration (breathing pattern disorder/BPD). New evidence will be offered linking BPD with autonomic imbalance, emotional liability, as well as musculoskeletal and circulatory distress. Safe rehabilitation methods will be demonstrated, taught and practised.

Course Schedule

• Introduction to breathing pattern disorders (BPD): definitions, gender issues, range, symptoms and triggers. (lecture/PowerPoint demonstration)
• The patho-physiology of BPDs – effects on circulatory, neurological, psychological and metabolic processes. (lecture/PowerPoint demonstration)
• Recognizing BPD. (lecture, demonstration + class interaction working in small groups)
• Biomechanical rehabilitation methods – description and demonstration of soft tissue manipulation methods (using a combination of muscle energy techniques and positional release techniques, combined with rehabilitation protocols.
• Rehabilitation exercises : pursed lip breathing, anti-arousal breathing, stabilization of upper-chest/shoulders, Brugger’s methods etc. (practical demonstrations using volunteers + class practice of self-application of methods)
• Review and questions

Suggested reading:
Chaitow L, Bradley D, Gilbert 2002 Multidisciplinary Approaches to Breathing Pattern Disorders. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh
Chaitow L 2004 Breathing pattern disorders, motor control, and low back pain
Journal of Osteopathic Medicine 7(1): 34-41