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Shortness of Breath with Shoulder PT

Posted by Lucy @welchllb, Jan 25, 2023

I had COVID in August 2020. I have been gradually improving. My SOB with exertion has gotten better, allowing me to walk at a slow pace for 20 minutes and then, 20 minute recovery. I thought I was over the major SOB with exertion resulting in dizziness, etc. until today. I was at PT and am in the 10th week of shoulder surgery recovery. Today was much more strenuous resulting in one of my former significant SOB experiences. So discouraged and I have to continue if I want my shoulder to be totally rehabilitated. Any similar stories and/or suggestions? Thank you. Lucy

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centre | @centre | Jan 26, 2023

Have you learned “recovery breathing” in PT? It helps me- taking a deep breath in through the nose, exhaling slowly out through the mouth, with lips pursed. The OT told me,” Smell the roses, blow out the candles”.
My understanding is that if you do mouth breathing in and out, or in through the nose and out through an open mouth, the air you are taking in is immediately being expelled, it doesn’t reach down into the lungs for good oxygen exchange in the alveoli, so your body continues to hunger for oxygen and starts you breathing faster, soon panting.
I listen now to my breathing and start the recovery technique if I hear in and out ramping up, old habits stick with you, but this new habit is working for me.

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Lucy | @welchllb | Jan 26, 2023
In reply to @centre "Have you learned “recovery breathing” in PT? It helps me- taking a deep breath in through..." + (show)
@centre

Have you learned “recovery breathing” in PT? It helps me- taking a deep breath in through the nose, exhaling slowly out through the mouth, with lips pursed. The OT told me,” Smell the roses, blow out the candles”.
My understanding is that if you do mouth breathing in and out, or in through the nose and out through an open mouth, the air you are taking in is immediately being expelled, it doesn’t reach down into the lungs for good oxygen exchange in the alveoli, so your body continues to hunger for oxygen and starts you breathing faster, soon panting.
I listen now to my breathing and start the recovery technique if I hear in and out ramping up, old habits stick with you, but this new habit is working for me.

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Yes, I do recovery breathing with all exercise and practice it with my daily routine, too.
Thanks, though.

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