Chest Physiotherapy for Adults & Paediatrics
Our chest physiotherapy service focuses on helping adults and children clear phlegm, breathe more easily and recover from chest congestion, infection or surgery. For babies we use gentle, age appropriate techniques, including a suction machine when needed, to clear phlegm and support better breathing and sleep. Treatment is tailored to the patient's age, condition and clinical needs, and works alongside your doctor's medical care.
Who we help
- Adults: chest congestion, persistent phlegm, bronchitis, pneumonia recovery, COPD, bronchiectasis and asthma
- Adults: poor breathing efficiency, reduced chest expansion or weak cough
- Babies and children: chest congestion, difficulty clearing secretions, noisy breathing or poor feeding linked to respiratory illness
- Babies and children: bronchiolitis recovery, recurrent chest infections and post viral phlegm retention
- Patients needing post operative respiratory care after chest or abdominal surgery
- Anyone struggling with mucus retention and needing help to clear the chest, as advised by their doctor
What you'll gain
- Improved phlegm clearance and easier breathing
- Better sleep and feeding for congested babies
- Reduced risk of chest infection and complications
- Care tailored to adults, babies and children
- Home visits and emergency after hours appointments available
Our treatment approach
Adult chest physiotherapy
A full respiratory assessment followed by hands on and exercise based techniques to loosen phlegm, improve cough effectiveness, expand the chest and make breathing feel easier.
Paediatric chest physiotherapy
Gentle, child friendly assessment and treatment for babies and children. We use positioning, percussion, vibration, assisted coughing and a suction machine when needed to help clear phlegm, with a parent or caregiver present at all times.
Emergency phlegm clearance
Urgent phlegm clearance is available after hours and on public holidays, at home or in clinic, for babies and adults who need immediate relief. A suction machine may be used to remove phlegm when clinically appropriate. An extra call out fee applies for after hours and holiday appointments.
Breathing and chest mobility retraining
Personalised breathing exercises, chest expansion work and posture advice to improve lung function, reduce breathlessness and lower the risk of recurring infection.
Frequently asked questions
What does chest physiotherapy do for babies?+
For babies, chest physiotherapy helps loosen and clear phlegm from the lungs using gentle positioning, percussion, vibration and a suction machine when needed. This can improve breathing, feeding and sleep, especially after bronchiolitis or a chest infection. A parent or caregiver is always present.
Do you offer emergency phlegm clearance after hours?+
Yes. We offer urgent phlegm clearance for babies and adults after hours and on public holidays, at home or in clinic. A suction machine may be used to remove phlegm when clinically appropriate. An additional call out fee applies for these appointments.
Can chest physiotherapy replace medical treatment?+
No. Chest physiotherapy supports medical care, it does not replace it. We encourage patients to remain under the care of their doctor or paediatrician, and we are happy to work alongside your treating medical team.
Do you offer home visits for chest physiotherapy?+
Yes. Home visit chest physiotherapy is available across Centurion and Midrand, which is often more comfortable for patients recovering from respiratory illness or surgery.
What does a chest physiotherapy session involve?+
A session starts with an assessment of breathing, chest movement and phlegm. Treatment may include breathing exercises, positioning, percussion, vibration, assisted coughing, suction to clear phlegm and chest mobility work. Every session is tailored to the patient's age and condition.
Do I need a referral for chest physiotherapy?+
No referral is required to book, although we welcome referrals from doctors, paediatricians and specialists and will liaise with them where appropriate.