Chest physiotherapy

[Jessica]

Chest physiotherapy consists of external mechanical maneuvers, such as chest percussion, postural drainage, and vibration, to augment mobilization and clearance of airway secretions. It is indicated for patients in whom cough is insufficient to clear thick, tenacious, copious, or loculated secretions (1). Examples include patients with

Bronchiectasis
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), in certain clinical situations (2)
Cystic fibrosis
Neuromuscular disorders
Pneumonias in dependent lung regions

Despite relatively few high-quality clinical trials providing strong evidence-based support, chest physiotherapy remains an important component of care in patients with cystic fibrosis.