Parkinson’s Disease and Breathing: how we can help
At Breathing Works, we understand that Parkinson’s Disease is about more than movement - it also affects breathing, voice, swallowing, posture, and energy. Our mission is to support you with evidence-based breathing rehabilitation techniques that enhance your quality of life and help you feel more confident and in control of your body.
Why Breathing Matters in Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease affects the nervous system, leading to changes that can include:
- Shallow breathing or breath-holding
- Shortness of breath during activity or at rest
- Quiet or weak voice, and difficulties with speech or swallowing
- Postural changes and rib cage stiffness limiting chest expansion and lung volume
- Reduced respiratory muscle coordination and strength
- Impaired cough effectiveness, and secretion clearance difficulties
These changes may start subtly but can significantly affect daily life over time and breathlessness can contribute to fatigue, anxiety, and reduced independence - making it harder to stay active and engaged.
How Parkinson’s Affects Breathing Mechanics
In Parkinson’s Disease, spinal and rib cage rigidity can lead to a more stooped posture. Combined with slowed movement and muscle rigidity, this impairs the coordination of the breathing muscles - the diaphragm, intercostal, and abdominals. This contributes to an inefficient breathing pattern, leading to fatigue.
What We Offer
At Breathing Works, we specialise in physiotherapy-based breathing retraining. Our tailored programs are safe, evidence-informed, and suitable for all stages of Parkinson’s Disease.
Treatment aims to:
- Reduce breathlessness and fatigue
- Improve lung function and breathing efficiency
- Improve coordination and strength of respiratory muscles
- Enhance posture and chest mobility
- Boost voice strength and projection
- Improve or delay the onset of swallowing difficulties
- Improve cough effectiveness and secretion clearance
- Promote relaxation, confidence, and functional independence
- Build exercise programmes aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness, general strength and balance
- Ultimately, improve your quality of life
Our programs are safe, tailored to your needs, and suitable for all stages of Parkinson’s Disease.
Personalised, supportive therapy
We work closely with you to understand your unique symptoms, challenges, and goals. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or further along your Parkinson’s journey, we’ll design a breathing rehabilitation plan that fits your lifestyle. Sessions may include:
- Targeted breathing exercises to improve breathing coordination
- Techniques to reduce anxiety-related breathlessness
- Postural retraining to enhance breathing mechanics
- Targeted strengthening of the respiratory muscles
- Voice, speech, and swallow support
- Effective secretion clearance techniques
Inspiratory and expiratory muscle training using a POWERBreathe device
A key component of our approach includes respiratory muscle training, using targeted exercises to strengthen both the inspiratory (in-breath) and expiratory (out-breath) muscles.
Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) helps to:
- Increase the strength and endurance of breathing muscles
- Optimise breathing patterns for greater efficiency
- Reduce shortness of breath
- Improve exercise tolerance and functional ability
- Enhance overall quality of life
Expiratory Muscle Training (EMT) helps to:
- Improve cough strength and secretion clearance
- Enhance voice quality, volume, and projection
- Support safer swallowing and reduce the risk of aspiration
Together, these techniques restore confidence, promote respiratory health, and support better participation in daily life.