Recognizing and Treating Breathing Disorders

Disordered breathing patterns may be a symptom or a cause of frequently undiagnosed health problems. A significant proportion of the population worldwide suffers from breathing pattern disorders, particularly in the more developed countries. Accordingly, a wide range of practitioners encounter these problems, often without having received any prior training in their causation or management. This book is intended to help practitioners understand the causes and effects of disordered breathing and to provide strategies and protocols to help restore normal function. Fully updated throughout, this volume has been completely revised to guide the practitioner in the recognition of breathing pattern disorders and presents the latest research findings relating to the condition including a range of completely new techniques - many from an international multidisciplinary perspective - to help restore and maintain normal functionality. The volume also provides an overview of the underlying anatomy, physiology and basic biochemistry associated with breathing. Chapters then examine the psychological and emotional variables associated with disordered breathing together with assessment protocols taken from a variety of perspectives - including Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization methods, osteopathic, physiotherapeutic, and psychological methods. Comprehensively covering a range of interventions suitable for use in a variety of settings - including the use of techniques in patients with longstanding pain disorders - the book concludes with chapters on speech and singing, breathing disorders in the athlete, and looks at the importance of breathing techniques in relation to Feldenkrais®, Pilates, Tai chi Qigong and yoga.