When was the last time you stopped to breathe? I mean really, intentionally took breaths in and out. It sounds silly since we wouldn’t survive without breathing but as a physical therapist, I see A LOT of people that have difficulty breathing.
Diaphragmatic breathing, often known as belly breathing, is the breathing pattern I work on most with my patients. During diaphragmatic breathing, you should focus on expanding your abdomen and pelvic floor while inhaling, like a balloon filling with air. On the exhale, you should allow your abdomen fall and your body to fully relax. You can practice this laying, seated, standing, or my personal favorite, in child’s pose. Is this breathing pattern right for every moment of every day? No. But should we be spending more time belly breathing every day? Absolutely yes!
Diaphragmatic breathing has MANY benefits for the body! This breathing pattern:
⁃ Allows for expansion (and therefore stretching) of the abdominal and pelvic floor musculature which tend to stay guarded and tight
⁃ Induces relaxation throughout our body
⁃ Reduces muscle tension
⁃ Lowers cortisol levels
⁃ Lowers blood pressure
⁃ Helps increase focus, mindfulness, and body awareness
⁃ Helps with intra-abdominal pressure management
⁃ Improves lung function
⁃ Increases oxygen levels
And so much more!
Diaphragmatic breathing can be used as a tool for stress management, pain management, labor and delivery, pregnancy and postpartum symptom management, pelvic floor dysfunction treatment, respiratory dysfunctions, and training for athletics. To get the benefits from diaphragmatic breathing, you must use correct form, practice, and participate in the activity regularly. If you need help working on your breathing or want to learn more about how you can use breathing to help manage your symptoms and improve your body’s function, contact Life Changes Physical Therapy today!