Postural drainage is anairway clearance techniquethat helps people withCOPDclear mucus from their lungs.
Each lobe is further divided into segments.
Postural drainage is generally performed for three to five minutes on each segment.
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Your hand should not be flat but cupped at all times as if you were holding liquid in it.
The percussion technique should be vigorous and rhythmical but should not involve pain.
If there isa pain, your hand is probably not cupped properly and needs to be softened or adjusted.
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When done properly, you should hear a hollow sound with each percussion.
Do not percuss over bare skin.
During vibration, thecaregivershould place a flat hand firmly atop the lung segment to be drained.
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It is important for the person being treated to inhale deeply and exhale slowly but forcefully.
This should be done without straining to stimulate a productive cough.
Encourage the person to take deep breaths and to cough during the percussion.
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The body should be rotated about a quarter-turn towards the back.
A pillow can also be placed behind the person.
The legs should be slightly bent with another pillow placed between the knees.
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The caregiver will then percuss and vibrate just outside the nipple area.
The legs and hips should be elevated as high as possible.
A pillow may be placed on the back and between slightly bent legs.
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The caregiver will percuss and vibrate just outside the right nipple area.
The hips and legs should be elevated as high as possible on pillows.
The knees should be slightly bent with a pillow placed in between.
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The caregiver will percuss and vibrate over the lower ribs on the left side and repeat the right side.
The top leg may be flexed over a pillow for support and comfort.
Two pillows should be placed under the hips.
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2021;8:544826. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.544826
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.Chest physical therapy.
2018;3(3):CD010297.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010297.pub3
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Postural drainage.
Artwork by Carolyn Russell
Artwork by Carolyn Russell
Artwork by Carolyn Russell
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