Dysfunctional breathing is a very common problem that affects many people and often goes undetected. Dysfunctional breathing is when the body is taking in more oxygen than it needs, through over breathing. In most cases, over breathing is a natural response to excitement, danger, sudden surprise or immense stress. In these circumstances heart rate, muscle tension and breathing will increase as adrenaline is pumped into the bloodstream.
Normally, after the episode has passed, breathing will slow to its standard rate. However, breathing may not return to normal if prolonged bouts of stress or pain are endured. This may cause a subconscious habit of over breathing, which in turn will cause carbon dioxide levels to drop creating imbalances in the respiratory system. Oxygen is inhibited from being released to vital tissues and this has physiological implications on the body.
Some of the symptoms of over breathing are:
- Breathlessness when sedentary
- Muscle soreness around neck, shoulders and jaw
- Regular sighing and yawning
- Pain in the chest wall and palpitations
- Constantly tired
- Lack of concentration
- Tingling in the arms, hands and around the mouth
- Dizziness
- Irritable bowel syndrome
A negative feedback system become established where conditions and symptoms worsen with continued over breathing.
Treating Dysfunctional Breathing
At 'physiotherapy + pilates evolved' we treat dysfunctional breathing by correcting bad postural habits that constrict the body's ability to breathe freely. We also teach breathing control and relaxation. Both these issues are covered in our Pilates tuition. The foundation elements of Pilates are finding your deep abdominal muscles, creating good posture and developing correct breathing technique.
Helping Yourself
Here are some things you can work on before coming to see us. Become aware of how you breathe, noting how deep your breaths are, what tempo you breathe at and where you breathe from. This is in regards to using your chest rather than your diaphragm (situated below the rib cage in the abdomen) which should be doing most of the work.
Once you have an awareness of your personal breathing patterns, you can start to realise what situations or events cause changes in your pattern. This could be anything ranging from stressful situations to caffeine intake. Communicate your findings to your physiotherapist and we will be able to give you some advice on how to control your breathing when these situations arise in the future.