Step-by step guide to the pursed lip breathing exercise

Maximize effectiveness: Tips for patients and practitioners

Step-by step guide to the pursed lip breathing exercise

Maximize effectiveness: Tips for patients and practitioners

video camera icon

1. Step-by-step video on how to do the pursed lip breathing exercise

Icon of a checkbox

How to perform the Pursed Lip Breathing

Step 1
Sit upright in a chair in front of a table. Place some pillows in front of you that you can lean onto. Breathe in gently through your nose.
Step 2
Breathe out through pursed lips, like you are going to whistle. Your breath out should be twice as long as your breath in.
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Prescribe. Educate. Engage.

Unlock Physitrack - all in one platform for practitioners!
Start your 30-day free trial today.
Get Started
Various devices showing the Physitrack UI
Want to receive your exercise programs via app?

Refer your physiotherapist and start using PhysiApp!
Leave clinic details
Mobile devices showing the user interface of Phystrack
Icon of a checkbox

3. About the pursed lip breathing exercise

  • Improves slow diaphragmatic breathing
  • Reduces the body’s response to stress
  • Relieves symptoms of shortness of breath, reduces hyperventilation, and helps relax
  • Improves mindfulness meditation or yoga practice
Icon of a checkbox

4. Benefits of the pursed lip breathing exercise

Here are some potential benefits of performing this exercise:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Improves posture
  • Slows down breathing rate
  • Enhances focus and concentration
Icon of a checkbox

5. FAQ on the pursed lip breathing exercise

What are the benefits of pursed lip breathing?
Plus iconMinus icon

Pursed lip breathing is a breathing technique used to help manage shortness of breath. The benefits of pursed lip breathing include: 1. Increasing the amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled with each breath. 2. Slowing down the rate of breathing, which can help reduce shortness of breath. 3. Relaxing the muscles in the chest and abdomen, which can help reduce tightness and discomfort. 4. Improving the efficiency of oxygen exchange in the lungs. 5. Helping to clear airways of mucus and other secretions. 6. Reducing anxiety, which can help reduce symptoms of shortness of breath.

How long should I do pursed lip breathing?
Plus iconMinus icon

Pursed lip breathing exercises should be done for 10-15 minutes, several times a day. It is best to practice pursed lip breathing when you feel short of breath or when you are feeling anxious.

What should I focus on when doing pursed lip breathing?
Plus iconMinus icon

When doing pursed lip breathing, it is important to focus on taking slow, deep breaths. Make sure to inhale through your nose and exhale through your pursed lips. It is also important to focus on keeping your shoulders relaxed and your stomach muscles loose. Lastly, focus on counting your breaths, as this can help you stay in control of your breathing.

Is pursed lip breathing safe for everyone?
Plus iconMinus icon

Pursed lip breathing is generally safe for everyone, but it is important to check with your doctor before using this technique if you have any respiratory issues or other medical conditions.

Plus iconMinus icon

Prescribe. Educate. Engage.

Unlock Physitrack - all in one platform for practitioners!
Start your 30-day free trial today.
Get Started
Various devices showing the Physitrack UI
Want to receive your exercise programs via app?

Refer your physiotherapist and start using PhysiApp!
Leave clinic details
Mobile devices showing the user interface of Phystrack

Thank you for using our exercises!

We would love to know just one thing about you to help us improve these pages

What do you currently use as the main form for assigning exercises to your patient?

Next
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.