Postural drainage is a technique used to eliminate mucus from the lung by the action of gravity, being mainly useful in diseases with a lot of secretion, such as cystic fibrosis, bronchectasias, lung disease or atelecticsia, but can also be used at home.to help eliminate mucus from the lungs in case of flu or bronchitis.
Through modified postural drainage, it is possible to use this same strategy to remove excess fluid anywhere in the body, in the legs, feet, arms, hands and even in the genital area, according to the needs of the person.
- Postural drainage is indicated whenever necessary to move bodily fluids.
- So it is especially indicated to help eliminate respiratory secretions present in the lung.
- But by the same principle can also be used to deflate any other area of the body.
If you want to eliminate lung secretions, you should lie on your back, up or down on a sloping ramp, keeping your head lower than the rest of your body.The physical therapist can also use the tapping technique to achieve better elimination results.respiratory secretions.
The inclination can be between 15 and 30 degrees, but there is no default time to stay in the drainage position, so it is the physical therapist who decides how much time it takes for each situation.postural drainage position for only 2 minutes when associating treatments such as vibrocompression, for example, although it may be advisable to stay in position for 15 minutes Postural drainage can be performed 3 to 4 times a day or at the discretion of the physical therapist, if necessary.
To perform postural drainage, you must follow the principle that the swollen part must be above the height of the heart, so if you want to deflate your feet, you must lie on your back, leg higher than the rest of your body. If you want to spread your hand, you must keep your entire arm higher than the rest of your body. In addition, to further facilitate venous return, lymphatic drainage can be achieved in the postural drainage position.
Postural drainage cannot be performed in any of the following situations:
In these cases, postural drainage can be detrimental to the health of the individual, hindering breathing, increasing heart rate or causing an increase in intracranial pressure.
You should see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms: shortness of breath, shortness of breath, mental confusion, bluish skin, blood sputum or chest pain.