Breathing is something we do every moment of every day, but when the mechanics or patterns of our breathing go awry, it can significantly impact our health and well-being. As an osteopath, I have a deep interest in understanding the complexities of breathing and how dysfunctional breathing can affect the body. Dysfunctional breathing can manifest in different ways—whether it’s the mechanics (musculoskeletal issues or breathing patterns), chemistry (oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels), or psychophysiology (mental state or the brain’s control of breathing).
Over the past few years, breath work and breathing practices have become popular and shifted into mainstream culture. From yogic Pranayama and Buteyko, to box breathing, the Wim Hof method, and Resonance Frequency Breathing, there are many different types of practices that can benefit many people. However, not every breathing practice is appropriate for everyone.
Sometimes we develop dysfunctional breathing patterns in our day-to-day lives. When this happens, our blood biochemistry can become unbalanced, we may develop tight muscles or stiffness in different parts of the body, or a certain breathing pattern might make us more prone to staying stuck in a fight-or-flight response.
What is Integrative Breathing Therapy (IBT)?
Integrative Breathing Therapy is a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to breathing retraining. It was developed to address dysfunctional breathing by considering multiple aspects of breathing: biomechanics, biochemistry, and psychophysiology. IBT works on the principle that functional breathing should be flexible and adapt to a person’s needs and circumstances.
Bringing IBT into my osteopathic practice has been transformative. The way we breathe daily has a profound effect on how we feel and function. This method uses a variety of techniques like breathing exercises, postural awareness, movement therapy, muscle rehabilitation, mindfulness, and manual therapy.
How Can IBT Help with Dysfunctional Breathing?
Integrative Breathing Therapy is used to correct issues such as:
- Hyperventilation syndrome
- Breathing pattern disorders
- Mouth breathing
- Inducible laryngeal obstruction or paradoxical vocal fold dysfunction
Research shows that IBT may also benefit various medical conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Sleep apnea
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Chronic neck, back, and pelvic pain
- Sinus congestion
- Gastro-intestinal reflux
- Hypertension
With many people experiencing breathing difficulties after COVID-19, especially long COVID sufferers, retraining breathing patterns can be crucial for recovery. The goal is to help restore optimal breathing patterns and improve overall health.
How IBT is Integrated into an Osteo Session
During the initial consultation, I’ll take a detailed history and conduct a thorough assessment, including breathing assessments if indicated. This may involve questionnaires, manual breathing assessments, pulse oximetry to measure blood oxygen levels and heart rate, as well as breath holds. Based on the assessment, I will utilize osteopathic techniques and the principles of Integrative Breathing Therapy (IBT) to create an individualized treatment plan. This plan may include:
- Breathing exercises
- Mindful breathing techniques
- Breath with movement
- Biofeedback training
- Manual therapy
- Stretches and nasal retraining
- Home exercises or practices (10-20 minutes daily)
Follow-up consultations are typically 30 minutes long, during which we assess progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. These sessions may also involve manual therapy or biofeedback training. If needed, referrals to other healthcare professionals may be made.
Ready to Start?
If you’re experiencing dysfunctional breathing or simply want to optimize your breathing patterns, Integrative Breathing Therapy could be the key to improving your overall health. Don’t hesitate to bring any questions to your appointment—I’m here to help.
Imogen Collyer brings 10 years of experience as an Osteopath, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of her patients by helping them understand their bodies and find ease in movement and breathing. She has undergone extensive post graduate training in integrative breathing therap; incorporating this and osteopathic techniques and principles into her practise.
Imogen is available Tuesday and Thursday at our Camberwell location.
Jump online and book an appointment with Imogen if you are struggling with breathing
