Breathing techniques

Breathing is one of the most fundamental motor patterns that we are born with.  We instinctively breathe using the diaphragm when we are babies and learn poor breathing patterns as we age. Breathing changes, the shape and the volume of the abdominal muscles, which impacts greatly on posture.

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Clients with lower back, or neck and shoulder pain, often present with tidal breathing. Tidal breathing uses the chest, neck and shoulders to inflate the upper ribcage and lungs. When we tidal breath we do not engage the core and we do not use the diaphragm. This is why dysfunctional breathing also plays a role in poor posture and core stability.

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There are many muscles and fascial connections around the ribcage that can inhibit breathing when tight and restricted.  These connections continue up into the should and neck, and down the pelvis, into the legs and large nerve bundles (femoral and sciatic).  Each time we breath functionally we move over 100 joints!  So dysfunctional breathing patterns are highly associated with pain, injury and poor posture.  In addition to this, we require effective removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) and increase oxygen (O2) to promotes healthy muscle metabolism.  

 

 

How Soft Tissue Therapy can help with Breathing?

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While breathing techniques are not a soft tissue technique per se, working with the breath is certainly a component.  Work can also be done on the abdominal area, the diaphragm, and around the rib cage to help the client open the and connect with their breath.  Post treatment on this area, clients report better adaptability with their chest helping core and should function.

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The good news is, breath work is free to practice at home. If any dysfunctional breathing patterns are observed, home exercises will be provided so you can develop healthy breathing patterns, which help with posture, stress management, pain management and overall health.