Frequently Asked Questions

Respiratory physiotherapy assesses how air is taken in and let out, which muscles carry that work, and how effectively air and secretions move within the lungs — then plans an individual programme. Breathing pattern, respiratory muscle strength, airway clearance, chest wall mobility and exercise capacity are its core areas.

A breathing exercise is only one of the tools. Respiratory physiotherapy begins with a detailed assessment; the exercise is chosen as a result of it. That is the difference between a generic online routine and an individually planned programme.

People living with chronic lung conditions such as COPD, asthma or bronchiectasis; those scheduled for or recovering from cardiac, thoracic or upper abdominal surgery; people whose respiratory muscle strength is affected by a neurological condition; children with recurrent chest infections; and adults with persistent breathlessness after an infection. It can also be meaningful for people with no diagnosis who tire quickly.

No. Respiratory physiotherapy runs alongside the treatment your doctor has planned, not instead of it. You should not stop or change your medication because you have started physiotherapy; medication is adjusted only by your doctor.

No. Respiratory physiotherapy does not remove chronic lung disease. The aim is to do more in daily life with the capacity you have, to build skill in coping with breathlessness and to break the cycle of avoiding movement. No promise is made about outcome or duration.

The first appointment takes about an hour and has four stages: a detailed history, observation of breathing pattern, appropriate measurement and functional tests, and then the programme plan. The findings are discussed with you and a written home programme is prepared.

Any lung function test results, chest X-ray or CT reports, medical discharge summaries and a list of your medication. Wear clothes you can move in. If you use a breathing device (incentive spirometer, PEP or IMT device), please bring it.

If you have a known respiratory, cardiac or neurological condition, or a new symptom, medical assessment comes first. For people without a diagnosis, a referral is made if the assessment reveals anything needing medical review.

It would not be right to give one answer for everyone. The timeframe depends on the underlying picture, respiratory muscle strength, other conditions and how regularly the programme is kept up at home. No promise is made; progress is tracked with repeated measurements.

Where appropriate, respiratory muscle strength measurement, breathlessness and fatigue scales, and sit-to-stand and walking-based functional tests are used. These are repeated at intervals and the programme updated on the results.

Most of the programme is designed to be done at home — the aim is a routine you can sustain, not dependence on sessions. Face-to-face appointments are still needed so the technique is learned correctly, the intensity set and measurements repeated.

Informative content can help with general awareness. But which technique, at what intensity and how often depends on your diagnosis, breathing pattern and capacity. A technique chosen wrongly or applied too intensively may not help.

These devices are available to buy, but setting the resistance without measurement is not sound practice. It is also important to know when the technique is unsuitable. Starting after an assessment is recommended.

Stop and return to your normal breathing. Mild dizziness usually comes from working too deeply or too quickly. If it persists, stop and let us know so the intensity can be reset.

No. Diagnosis is the doctor's responsibility. A physiotherapist assesses breathing pattern, muscle strength, cough effectiveness and functional capacity, plans a programme and refers back to the doctor when needed. The content on this website is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.

It comes from a PhD in Business Administration completed at Beykent University. My profession is physiotherapy; I am not a physician and I do not make diagnoses. My work is to carry out respiratory assessments and plan physiotherapy programmes within the framework of medical referral.

In case of sudden or rapidly worsening breathlessness, chest pain, bluish discolouration of the lips or nails, confusion, breathlessness that prevents you speaking, or coughing up blood, do not attempt exercises — call the emergency number (112 in Türkiye) or go to the nearest emergency department.

Stop and see your doctor if you have new or markedly increased breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations, a rising temperature, a change in the colour or amount of sputum or blood in it, or one-sided swelling and pain in a leg.

You can get in touch by phone or WhatsApp, or use the contact form on this website. Consultations are by appointment.

Yes. Respiratory physiotherapy is provided for babies and children, but always within the assessment and referral of the treating doctor. It helps to mention your child's age and current diagnosis when you get in touch.

For people who need care at home, and for carer training, the home environment is often the most effective setting. Suitability is considered case by case — please get in touch to discuss.

Pricing is not published on the website. Please get in touch directly for that information.

The blog is currently published in Turkish only. All other pages of the site are available in both Turkish and English.