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- Physiotherapy
- Mon-Fri 7am-7pm
- Sat 8am-6pm
- Sun 9am-12pm
- (08) 9382 9600
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Complete this form for immediate access to our Class Pricing & Timetable and ongoing access to all other website documents. No further forms required.
Our physiotherapists can teach you the importance of breathing techniques and mucous clearance exercises to prevent recurrent chest infections. We can also advise you on devices that may assist in monitoring and increase the efficiency of your exercises, to better manage your condition for overall quality of life.
Maintaining an active lifestyle and regular exercise is also a very important aspect to chronic lung conditions which we can guide you through. Our pulmonary rehabilitation program is targeted specifically to managing these conditions lifelong.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term to used to describe chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes damage to the air sacs in your lungs, making it harder to absorb oxygen and more difficult for you to breathe. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common conditions that we describe as COPD. Symptoms of these diseases include shortness of breath, chronic cough, increased mucous production and fatigue. Smoking is the most significant risk factor. As many as 1 in 7 Australians over the age of 40 suffer from COPD, and it is the second leading cause of avoidable hospitalisation in Australia. Although the damage to your airways is irreversible, learning exercises for your breathing and introducing a general exercise program has been proven to help to reduce the severity of symptoms and slow the progression of disease.
Bronchiectasis is a lung disease that can affect people of all ages, characterised by frequent chest infections and often a productive cough. It is caused by inflammation or infection in the airways of the lungs, causing irreversible damage allowing mucous to pool and gather in those damaged airways. Our aim is to educate you about the best way to manage Bronchiectasis, and to teach you airway clearance techniques to help prevent infections and improve your cough.
Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) or Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a lung disease of either a known (PF) or unknown (IPF) origin that causes scarring and thickening of the air sacs in your lungs. This causes the lungs to become stiff and makes it difficult for your lungs to expand as you breathe to take in oxygen. We can assist you in managing this condition through education, breathing techniques and general exercise.
Jen Douglass has been a part of the Thoracare team for 8 years and is currently working with both outpatients and inpatients. She is currently the inpatient physiotherapy coordinator on the general medical and respiratory wards. Jen completed her degree at Curtin University, and has worked predominantly in the areas of cardio-respiratory, cardio-thoracic and inpatient rehabilitation. These are her main areas of interest, in which she enjoys gaining further experience and knowledge by working in an outpatient setting. She has also completed some further training in rehabilitation of dizziness and balance issues. Outside work Jen enjoys spending as much time as she can with friends and family.
Liane was born in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa and graduated at University of Cape Town in 1986 with BSC Physiotherapy. She immigrated to Perth with her family in 1999 to start a new adventure. Liane’s background is private practice, where she ran a team of physiotherapists who serviced acute respiratory, cardiac surgery and neurosurgery, as well as outpatient rooms specialising in spinal, musculoskeletal, sport injuries and rehabilitation.
The practice was involved with State track and field athletes, as well as the Durban World surf life-saving Championships in 1999 and the Vets World Track and Field in 1997. Liane’s interests currently lie in treating breathing pattern disorders, hyperventilation syndrome and inspiratory muscle training in clients with a history of chest problems or unexplained breathing disorders. She is also interested in breathing disorders in sportspeople and athletes.
The Acapella is a simple handheld device designed to help clear sputum (phlegm) from the lungs. For this reason it is often used by patients who have chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD and Brochlectassis, as part of their daily Physiotherapy routine.
Download PDF BrochureBreathlessness or “dyspnoea” is the feeling of being out of breath. This can mean that your breathing feels too hard, too fast or just uncomfortable. Patients often describe the sensation in phrases such as “can’t catch my breath” or simply feeling as if they are “suffocating”.
Download PDF BrochureChronic lung conditions often cause an increase in the amount of sputum (phlegm) produced in the lungs. When sputum is allowed to build up, it causes frequent coughing and shortness of breath. Most importantly, this can lead to chest infections and having to go to hospital.
Download PDF BrochureResearch has shown that the right kind of exercise is good for people with chronic lung conditions, even if it makes you feel breathless. Many people with lung problems avoid exercise due to the uncomfortable feeling of breathlessness.
Download PDF BrochureThe flutter is a simple handheld pipe-shaped device designed to help clear sputum (phlegm) from the lungs. For this reason, it is often used by patients who have chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD and bronchiectasis, as part of their daily Physiotherapy routine.
Download PDF Brochure‘Good breathing’ means moving air in and out of the chest with the minimum of effort and the right muscles. This is to give you the correct amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide you need to live and feel well.
Download PDF BrochurePulmonary Rehabilitation has been developed to assist people suffering from chronic lung disease, breathing dysfunction and in recovering from respiratory illnesses.
Download PDF BrochureIf you would like more information, please call today on (08) 9382 9600 and one of our physiotherapists will be happy to help you.
