Breathing and Respiratory Exercises
Deep Breathing and Thoracic Expansion
Deep breathing exercises, including thoracic expansion exercises, fill the lungs fully and expand the lower ribs. They help re-inflate lung areas after surgery or immobility and loosen secretions.
What it does
After surgery or with reduced mobility, lung bases don't fully inflate. Deep breaths with a hold improve air entry and help clear mucus.
It is a regular part of rehab plans for asthma, spinal cord injury and ankylosing spondylitis, and it features in our post-surgical rehabilitation programmes.
How to do it
- Sit upright or lie propped up.
- Place hands on your lower ribs.
- Breathe in slowly and deeply, feeling the ribs expand into your hands.
- Hold for 3 seconds.
- Breathe out gently. Do 3 to 4 breaths, then rest with normal breathing.
How much
3 to 4 deep breaths, repeated every hour while awake after surgery.
Stop and check with us if
- You have increasing breathlessness, fever or coloured sputum.
Medical note
These instructions are general guidance, not a personal prescription. If you have a recent injury or surgery, a diagnosed condition, or symptoms such as numbness, weakness or dizziness, get assessed before starting. Stop and seek advice if pain increases sharply or you feel unwell.
Frequently asked questions
Why the pause between sets?
How does this help mucus?
Related treatments
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Structured recovery after orthopedic, spinal and abdominal surgery.
Learn more VascularAsthma
Breathing techniques and safe exercise alongside your asthma medication.
Learn more SpineSpinal Cord Injury
Long-term rehab after spinal cord injury: strength, transfers, walking where possible, and preventing complications.
Learn moreReady to feel better?
Book an assessment at our Indirapuram clinic or ask for a home visit. Call +91-9999973681 or send a WhatsApp message and we will confirm your slot.