Understanding the Importance of Diaphragmatic Breathing for Rehabilitation and Wellness
Here at Living Well, one of the issues that we work on as part of the rehabilitation progress is proper breathing. The mechanics of poor breathing often contributes to painful conditions.
On the surface, breathing would seem to be a simple bodily function that does not require much thought, especially given that it doesn’t require conscious control. However, the ability to breathe efficiently is what is crucial.
The Importance of Proper Ribcage Positioning for Optimal Diaphragmatic Breathing and Pain Management
Breathing should be primarily driven by the diaphragm muscle which lines the inside of the ribcage deep in the body. Because of where it is located, the position and alignment of the ribcage are crucial for the diaphragm to be able to work correctly.
However, for many, the ribcage is often in a poor position due to pain and stress in combination with tight neck and back muscles. In these cases, such tightness pulls the rib cage into an improperly elevated position which places the diaphragm muscle in an ineffective mechanical state. This situation in turn puts further stress on the body which tends to make the neck and back muscles even tighter, further contributing to a cycle of pain, tightness, and poor breathing. Tight neck and back muscles directly and adversely affect the position of the shoulders, hips, and pelvis as well. Over time, this stresses joints and muscles and can contribute to many painful conditions throughout the body.
Activating Core Muscles for Improved Diaphragmatic Breathing and Pain Relief
The good news is that there are muscles that can help reverse the process and break this negative cycle. The core muscles, in particular the internal obliques and transverse abdominus are the most important. These deep abdominal muscles attach along the lower part of our ribs and have the ability to pull the ribcage down into its proper position which significantly improves the function of the diaphragm.
Finding Relief from Tight Neck Muscles: Diaphragmatic Breathing and Core Activation Techniques
The upward pull of tight neck muscles and the downward pull of abdominal muscles is similar to a tug-of-war. Unfortunately, for many, tight and overstressed neck muscles are winning the contest. So are sit-ups or crunches the answer? The answer is, unfortunately, no. These exercises actually tighten neck muscles more and limit your deep core muscle’s ability to contract. For some, a good start would be to simply lie down in a relaxed position and focus on deeply exhaling through the mouth and gently inhaling through the nose. For many others, decades of inefficient breathing cause the body to adapt in ways that are not easy to change. That is when the skilled guidance of a physical therapist becomes more important.
Proper Breathing: A Key Component in Rehabilitation for Knee, Shoulder, Neck, and Back Pain at Living Well
The physical therapists at Living Well consider proper and efficient breathing as central to the rehabilitation process for various types of pain, including knee pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and back pain. This is because all of these facts support the notion that breathing plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and healing of these conditions.
Wayne Villeneuve - MPT
Wayne, a consummate professional in the field of Physical Therapy, has a rich educational background. He successfully completed his Master's degree in Physical Therapy from the revered Ithaca College, a renowned institution that helps aspirants reach their optimum potential and acquire the necessary skills in their chosen fields. This foundation propelled Wayne toward a fulfilling career in Physical Therapy. Learn More
