RAT - Reflex Respiratory Therapy
Special physiotherapy to improve breathing – postural drainage, chest gymnastics and breathing training
What is Reflex Respiratory Therapy (RAT)?
Reflex respiratory therapy is a special form of physiotherapy specifically used for respiratory diseases. It combines various techniques such as postural drainage, chest gymnastics, breathing exercises and muscle strengthening into a holistic treatment concept. In a typical one-hour treatment, you learn effective techniques that help you improve your breathing problems and expand your lung volume.
Goals of Reflex Respiratory Therapy
- Improvement of Respiratory Function: Increase of lung volume and breathing depth
- Secretion Loosening and Transport: Effective cleaning of airways from mucus
- Strengthening of Respiratory Muscles: Strengthening of diaphragm and auxiliary respiratory muscles
- Mobilization of Chest: Improvement of rib mobility
- Reduction of Breathlessness: Facilitation of breathing in daily life
Applications
Reflex respiratory therapy is used for various respiratory diseases and lung problems:
Chronic Lung Diseases
- • COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- • Chronic bronchitis
- • Bronchial asthma
- • Pulmonary emphysema
- • Cystic fibrosis
Acute Respiratory Diseases
- • Acute bronchitis
- • Pneumonia
- • Post-COVID syndrome
- • Respiratory infections with mucus
Postoperative Conditions
- • After thorax operations
- • After abdominal operations
- • After cardiac operations
- • For pneumonia prophylaxis
Other Indications
- • Scoliosis with respiratory restriction
- • Ankylosing spondylitis
- • Rib blockages
- • Respiratory insufficiency
RAT Treatment Process
A typical RAT treatment lasts about 60 minutes and is individually tailored to your complaints:
Anamnesis & Assessment (10 min.)
Detailed discussion of your current breathing problems, lung auscultation, determination of affected lung areas.
Postural Drainage (15-20 min.)
Special positions for secretion loosening, combined with tapping and vibration techniques. Learning effective coughing techniques.
Chest Gymnastics (15 min.)
Mobilization exercises for chest and spine to improve breathing mechanics.
Breathing Exercises & Training (15 min.)
Learning various breathing techniques (pursed lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, lateral breathing) and their application.
Home Exercise Program (5 min.)
Compilation of individual exercises for home to support therapy success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an RAT treatment last?
An RAT treatment typically lasts 60 minutes and includes all components: postural drainage, chest gymnastics, breathing exercises and muscle strengthening. This enables comprehensive and sustainable treatment.
How often should I do the exercises at home?
Ideally, you should perform the learned breathing exercises 2-3x daily for 10-15 minutes each. In case of acute mucus buildup, more frequent applications can be useful. Postural drainage should especially be practiced in the morning after waking up.
Is RAT also useful for acute infections?
Yes, especially for acute respiratory infections with heavy mucus buildup, RAT can be very helpful. Postural drainage and special coughing techniques help transport secretions effectively and prevent complications such as pneumonia.
Does health insurance cover the costs?
Yes, RAT is covered by all statutory and private health insurance with medical prescription as 'physiotherapy-respiratory therapy'. Prescription is usually issued by pulmonologists, general practitioners or surgeons (after operations).
Book Appointment
Book an appointment now for reflex respiratory therapy at one of our practices.
Breathe Freely Again
Our experienced therapists look forward to welcoming you to one of our practices in Cologne or Düsseldorf and improving your breathing.