Physiotherapy and Clients with Tracheostomies
A tracheostomy is a life-saving procedure that provides an alternative airway for people who cannot breathe effectively through their nose or mouth. While it can be essential for survival, living with a tracheostomy often comes with challenges that affect breathing, movement, and quality of life. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping clients with tracheostomies maintain respiratory function, improve mobility, and safely return to meaningful daily activities.
Why Physiotherapy Matters for Clients with Tracheostomies
Physiotherapy is about more than just movement—it’s about supporting overall health and independence. For people with tracheostomies, physio care addresses both respiratory management and functional rehabilitation. This dual focus helps reduce complications, enhance recovery, and promote better long-term outcomes.
Respiratory Physiotherapy for Tracheostomy Clients
Clients with tracheostomies are at risk of respiratory complications such as mucus plugging, reduced lung capacity, or infections. Physiotherapists can provide:
Airway clearance techniques – to reduce mucus build-up and improve lung ventilation.
Breathing exercises – to optimise lung expansion and oxygenation.
Chest physiotherapy – including positioning and manual techniques to support secretion clearance.
Tracheostomy suctioning support – education for clients and carers on safe suctioning to maintain airway patency.
Mobility and Functional Rehabilitation
Having a tracheostomy can affect confidence and mobility, especially during recovery from critical illness, surgery, or neurological conditions. Physiotherapists can assist with:
Early mobilisation – getting out of bed safely, sitting, and standing.
Strength and endurance training – to restore muscle function weakened by hospitalisation or illness.
Safe transfers and walking – building independence while accounting for medical equipment.
Balance training – reducing falls risk when mobility is limited.
Supporting Carers and Families
Physiotherapy also extends to education and support for carers. Families often play a key role in tracheostomy care, and physiotherapists provide guidance on safe movement, equipment handling, and techniques to keep the airway clear.
Real-World Example
One client we supported was recovering from a neurological condition with a long-term tracheostomy. With a structured home physiotherapy program focusing on chest clearance, breathing control, and progressive mobility, they were able to reduce chest infections and regain the ability to walk independently with a frame within 8 weeks.
The Potentiate Rehab Approach
At Potentiate Rehab, we deliver hospital-quality physiotherapy in the comfort of your home. For clients with tracheostomies, this means:
✔ Tailored respiratory physiotherapy for secretion management and lung health
✔ Safe mobility and strength training
✔ Education for clients, families, and support teams
✔ Goal-oriented care to maximise independence and quality of life
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one is living with a tracheostomy, physiotherapy can provide the support needed to breathe easier, move better, and live with greater confidence.
Call us: 0451 853 579
Email us: richardc@potentiaterehab.com.au
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