"Breathing is unquestionably a key function of the human body... Breathing, however, has other functions apart from the ventilation of air and the maintenance of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Breathing affects motor control, postural stability, plays several roles in physiological and psychological regulation and can influence functions in other system including the autonomic nervous system, the circulatory system, chemical regulation and metabolism."
Dr. Rosalba Courtney, DO, PhD
Acute and chronic respiratory conditions tend to add tension to the breathing muscles and contribute to fascial restrictions and skeletal misalignment, reducing spinal mobility and affecting shoulder and rib cage functionality. How can Osteopathic Manual therapy and Posture-Breathing retraining help improve breathing and movement functionality?
Benefits of Osteopathic Manual Therapy and Posture-Breathing retraining
Improved posture and motor control. Both aspects are paramount to an enhanced breathing functionality.
Increased spinal and ribcage mobility, stability and functionality.
Reduced spasm of thoracic musculature and improved fascial restrictions and skeletal misalignment.
Improved focus and stress response.
Improved lymphatic flow (by treating thoracic inlet restrictions).
Improved C3-C5 (neck) dysfunction and its effect on the phrenic nerve.
- Breathing training for dysfunctional breathing in asthma: Taking a multidimensional approach. Read
Jaz Ibarra
Registered Manual Osteopath
BSc (Ost), BFA, DMT
These certifications provided me with knowledge and
guidance on the identification and application of
Osteopathic Manual techniques and Posture-Breathing retraining
for the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory conditions.
Functional Breathing Screen Certification - Functional Movement Systems
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Techniques Addressing Respiratory Symptoms of COVID-19 - American Osteopathic Association &
American Academy of Osteopathy
Frontline Perspectives On Treating COVID-19 Patients Using OMM - American Osteopathic Association & American Academy of Osteopathy