Physiotherapy is a key part of the daily management for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and covers a broad spectrum of symptoms and care. We focus on airway clearance, inhaled therapies, sinus management, posture, continence, keeping active and much more.
We are always open to new ways of how we can support you to be at your best! Talk to us about your goals and we will do our best to help.
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust can be a useful resource for cystic fibrosis physio information.
Airway clearance
Airway clearance is a mainstay of treatment for people with cystic fibrosis and is considered essential for all, ideally starting from diagnosis. No single treatment technique is suitable for all patients. Your physiotherapist will work with you to establish the most suitable option for you and this may change over time.
Some of the options available for airway clearance include:
- Active cycle of breathing
- Autogenic drainage
- Positive expiratory pressure (eg. PEP mask, Pari PEP)
- Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (eg. acapella, aerobika, flutter)
- Intermittent positive pressure breathing
You can find lots of supporting information/ instructions on the Cystic Fibrosis Trust website.
Inhaled therapies
You may be prescribed some inhaled therapies. These can be in the form of dry powder inhalers or nebulised solutions. These are often mucolytics (to help loosen or breakdown secretions) or antibiotics to help fight infections. Your team will work with you to establish the best options for you.
All nebuliser handsets should be cleaned and dried as soon as possible after every use. Leaving them unwashed can encourage harmful bacteria and fungi to grow. Leftover medication can also damage or block parts of the nebuliser system. This could mean that it takes longer to work or stops working altogether. Your nebuliser handset should be sterilised according to the manufacturer’s information. This may mean boiling or steam cleaning the nebuliser handset.
You can find further information on Nebulisers on the Cystic Fibrosis Trust website.
Exercise (and exercise testing)
Exercise Testing is a useful tool to help understand disease progression and helps us to plan appropriate treatment and exercise programmes. We have a number of different types of tests available. The most suitable will be discussed with you by your therapist. We will aim to do this in line with your annual review, but could be completed at any time throughout the year depending on your needs.
Exercise helps with lung function, heart health, muscle strength and posture, blood sugar control, bone health, mood, general fitness, and overall health and well-being. People with cystic fibrosis should aim to do a range of physical activities on a regular basis to get the most health benefits. Both airway clearance and exercise are important parts of CF physiotherapy.
Exercise can help loosen mucus in the lungs and make airway clearance techniques quicker and easier. Your cystic fibrosis physiotherapist will help you to find ways of exercising that are best for you.
We can offer home exercise programmes, 1-1 gym sessions, goal setting, running or weight training. Everyone’s needs will be different, and we focus on supporting everyone as required. We have shared some home workouts below that need no equipment.
Exercise videos
Newcastle Hospitals – Rehabilitation exercises (English) – YouTube
For more specific or higher intensity training we can help guide and provide more individualised programmes – just get in touch.
Posture and musculoskeletal care
Posture is the position that we hold our bodies in when we are sitting or standing. It is important to maintain the best posture we can to avoid problems such as pain and stiffness now or as you get older.
Poor posture can also impact lung function. People with cystic fibrosis are more likely to develop a rounded upper back for many reasons, so keeping the spine flexible may prevent future problems.
Your cystic fibrosis physiotherapist will be able to offer advice and help to assess and treat any joint or back problems you may have.
We can help identify any musculoskeletal issues, provide advice and signpost to your local Musculoskeletal services.
Find our more about posture care and stretches to try.
Sinus Management
People with cystic fibrosis often experience sinus symptoms. Your physiotherapist can help assess this and establish an appropriate plan. This may include nasal washouts / rinse or inhaled nasal therapies.
Continence
Some people with cystic fibrosis may experience problems with urinary or faecal incontinence when coughing, sneezing, laughing, and/or exerting themselves. Your physiotherapist can support you with continence health, including pelvic floor exercises and referring onto pelvic health specialists locally.
Physiotherapy covers a broad spectrum of managing life with cystic fibrosis. We are always open to new ways of how we can support you to be at your best! Talk to us about your goals and we will do our best to help!
