Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Program to improve strength and enhance quality of life and well-being.
Helping You Breathe Easier, Move Better, and Live Well
With over 25 years of experience in respiratory physiotherapy, Breathing Works is New Zealand’s leader in breathing rehabilitation. Our physiotherapists are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible quality of life - wherever you are in your lung cancer journey.
At Breathing Works, we provide tailored rehabilitation to support individuals with lung cancer and mesothelioma through every stage of their recovery. Whether you are undergoing treatment, recovering post-surgery, or adjusting to life after cancer, our experienced team is here to help you breathe easier, move better, and regain confidence in your daily life.
Why Lung Cancer Rehabilitation Matters
Lung cancer and its treatments - such as surgery, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and radiation therapy - can have a profound impact on breathing, energy, and overall wellbeing. Rehabilitation plays a vital role in recovery, helping to manage symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
- Fatigue and low energy
- Reduced lung capacity
- Persistent cough
- Decreased physical endurance
- Anxiety and breathlessness
Our evidence-based lung cancer rehabilitation programme is designed to improve lung function, restore physical strength, and enhance emotional wellbeing - all within a safe and supportive environment.
How We Can Help
At Breathing Works, we take a holistic physiotherapy-based approach to recovery. Your personalised rehabilitation programme may include:
- Breathing retraining to optimise breathing efficiency and reduce breathlessness.
- Airway clearance techniques to assist in mucus removal and improve lung function.
- Education and self-management strategies to empower you to understand and manage your condition effectively.
- Mind-body relaxation techniques to calm the nervous system, improve oxygenation, and reduce anxiety.
- Tailored exercise therapy to rebuild strength, mobility, and stamina at a pace that suits you.
- Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) using a POWERBreathe device to strengthen and improve endurance of breathing muscles, optimise breathing pattern, reduce shortness of breath, enhance functional ability, and improve exercise capacity and quality of life.
Our approach not only targets physical symptoms but also promotes relaxation, confidence, and a greater sense of control throughout your recovery.
Mesothelioma
For individuals living with Mesothelioma, specialised respiratory physiotherapy can play a crucial role in maintainingcomfort, function, and quality of life. The condition often leads to restrictive breathing patterns, reduced lung expansion, and fatigue.
Our Mesothelioma treatment focuses on:
- Gentle, targeted breathing techniques to improve efficiency and reduce effort of breathing.
- Secretion clearance support and postural optimisation to ease symptoms.
- Inspiratory muscle training to enhance breathing muscle strength and endurance.
- Energy conservation strategies and pacing to maintain independence in daily activities.
- Relaxation and anxiety management to improve overall wellbeing.
Our team works collaboratively with your healthcare providers to ensure your care is coordinated, safe, and aligned with your medical management.
Who can Benefit?
Lung cancer rehabilitation is suitable for individuals:
- Preparing for or recovering from surgery
- Undergoing chemotherapy, biologic therapy or radiation therapy
- Living with ongoing respiratory symptoms after treatment
- Seeking to improve breathing control, stamina and independence
- Aiming to optimise physical function and quality of life
A Collaborative Supportive Approach
At Breathing Works, you’re never alone in your recovery. We work alongside your medical team to ensure an integrated, whole-person approach to your care - helping you build confidence, regain control, and live well at every stage of your journey.