Final answer:
Chest physiotherapy employs techniques to improve pulmonary health by targeting the chest muscles to aid in breathing. This therapy includes applying heat, exercising, and icing as needed, subsequently assessing improvements through an exit exam to track range of motion and function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chest physiotherapy is a set of techniques used by physiotherapists to improve the functioning of the thorax and overall pulmonary health. By implementing various exercises that target muscle function in the chest, a physiotherapist can enhance a patient's strength, balance, and endurance. This involves not only exercising the muscles but also administering therapies such as heat application to promote blood flow and reduce inflammation.
Physiotherapists must assess a patient's capabilities continuously as exercises are prescribed to ensure that the treatments remain effective and safe if equipment like crutches is used. The ultimate goal is to facilitate better breathing by conditioning the muscles of the thorax to change the size of the thoracic cavity efficiently during the respiratory cycle. A full therapeutic program may include initial heat application, guided home exercises, and icing as instructed by the physiotherapist, culminating in an exit exam to assess improvement in range of motion and normal function.