Breathe More Easily With Specialist Respiratory Treatment
Breathing shouldn’t feel like hard work, but when it does, it affects every single part of your life—from the simple act of walking upstairs to getting a decent night’s sleep. Respiratory physiotherapy is about taking back control. We use evidence-based techniques to help you manage your lung condition more effectively, focusing on clearing your airways, improving your breathing efficiency, and building up your stamina.
At The Physiotherapy Centre, we are proud to offer specialist respiratory care led by Ruth De Vos. Ruth is a PhD-qualified Chartered Physiotherapist with a wealth of clinical and research experience in respiratory health. Whether you’ve only recently been diagnosed or have been managing a chronic lung condition for years, Ruth’s approach is entirely tailored to your specific symptoms and what you want to achieve.
It is rare to find this level of respiratory expertise in a community clinic setting, which is why patients travel to us from across Waterlooville, Cosham, Havant, Petersfield, and the wider Hampshire area. We’re here to help you breathe easier and stay as active as possible.
Conditions We Treat
Our respiratory physiotherapy service covers the assessment and management of:
Asthma
Including exercise-induced symptoms, poorly controlled asthma, and breathing pattern disorders that mimic or worsen asthma symptoms.
Bronchiectasis
A long-term condition where the airways become widened and produce excess mucus. Treatment focuses on effective airway clearance and reducing the frequency of chest infections.
Breathing Dysfunctions
Including hyperventilation syndrome, dysfunctional breathing patterns, and unexplained breathlessness where standard investigations have been normal.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Physiotherapy can help manage breathlessness, improve your ability to exercise, and teach you techniques to cope during flare-ups.
How We Treat: Our Approach
Comprehensive Respiratory Assessment
Your journey starts with a deep dive into how your lungs are functioning. Your first session includes a detailed assessment of your breathing pattern, lung function, sputum production, and how effectively you can cough. We also look at your exercise capacity to see how your breathing responds to movement. Ruth will review your medical history, current medications, and any recent clinical data you have—such as spirometry, CT scans, or blood gas results. All of this is used to build a precise, clinical picture of your respiratory health before we even begin treatment.
Airway Clearance Techniques
If you are dealing with a condition that causes excess mucus—particularly bronchiectasis or COPD—the goal is to make clearing your lungs as efficient and low-effort as possible. Ruth will teach you specific airway clearance techniques tailored to your needs. This might include the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT), autogenic drainage, or the use of oscillating PEP devices. We don’t just show you how to do them; we work with you to find the exact method that you find most effective for your daily routine.
Breathing Retraining and Exercise Prescription
For those managing breathlessness or breathing pattern disorders, treatment is about efficiency. We focus on restoring a more natural breathing pattern through controlled exercises, diaphragmatic retraining, and relaxation techniques to help dial down the panic of breathlessness. Alongside this, we prescribe a graded exercise programme. By safely improving your cardiovascular fitness, we can reduce the overall impact that breathlessness has on your life, helping you do more of the things you enjoy with less effort.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your initial appointment at The Physiotherapy Centre lasts 45 minutes. Because many of our respiratory sessions are conducted virtually—via FaceTime or WhatsApp—you can participate from the comfort of your own home, which is often much more practical if you are feeling breathless.
We’ll start with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, your triggers, and any medications you’re currently using. We want to understand the real-world impact of your condition—how your breathing actually affects your energy levels and your daily routine. During the session, your therapist will observe your breathing patterns and guide you through baseline measurements.
Preparing for your virtual visit:
- Setting up: Ensure you are in a quiet space with a stable internet connection and that your camera is positioned so your therapist can clearly see your chest and shoulders.
- What to wear: Please wear loose, comfortable clothing (like a t-shirt or vest) so we can accurately observe your breathing.
- What to have ready: If you use an inhaler, a nebuliser, or any specific airway clearance devices at home, please have them nearby so we can review your technique.
- Medical records: It is helpful if you have any recent test results, scan reports, or letters from your respiratory consultant to hand. Having this data allows us to build the most accurate and safe treatment plan for you.
Pricing and Appointments
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Initial Assessment £99 (45 minutes)
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Follow-Up Session £95 (30 minutes)
Conveniently Located in Waterlooville
- The Physiotherapy Centre 96 London Road, Widley, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 5AB
- Mon: 8.00–7.00 | Tue: 8.00–7.30 | Wed: 8.00–8.00 | Thu: 8.00–7.00 | Fri: 8.00–5.00 | Sat: 8.30–1.00
- We serve patients from Widley, Purbrook, Waterlooville, Cosham, Havant, and Petersfield. The clinic is on the old A3 / London Road, just north of Portsdown Hill, near the Hampshire Rose pub. Bus route No. 8 (Bushy Mead) stops just up the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral for respiratory physiotherapy?
No. You can self-refer directly. However, it is helpful if you can bring any recent test results, consultant letters, or medication lists to your first appointment.
How is respiratory physiotherapy different from pulmonary rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured group programme, typically run by the NHS, that combines exercise and education over several weeks. Respiratory physiotherapy is one-to-one treatment targeted at your specific symptoms and condition. It can be used alongside, before, or after pulmonary rehab.
Can physiotherapy help with breathlessness if my lungs are normal on tests?
Yes. Breathing pattern disorders are surprisingly common and can cause significant breathlessness even when lung function tests are normal. Respiratory physiotherapy assesses your breathing pattern and retrains it if abnormalities are identified.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your condition. Some breathing pattern problems improve within three to four sessions. Chronic conditions like bronchiectasis or COPD may benefit from periodic reviews every few months alongside a self-management programme you carry out at home.
Is respiratory physiotherapy suitable for children or teenagers?
Ruth primarily treats adults, but can advise on onward referral for younger patients if needed. For teenagers with breathing difficulties related to sport or exercise, our adolescent physiotherapy service may also be helpful.
Can respiratory physiotherapy reduce my chest infections?
For conditions like bronchiectasis, yes. Effective airway clearance techniques help keep the airways clear of mucus, which reduces the environment in which bacteria can multiply. Many patients report a noticeable reduction in the frequency and severity of infections after starting treatment.
What if I am too breathless to exercise?
Treatment is graded to your current ability. If you are very breathless, your physiotherapist will start with breathing control techniques and very gentle activity, gradually building up as your tolerance improves. The goal is progression, not perfection.
Can I claim respiratory physiotherapy on my insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, and Cigna. Contact your insurer for an authorisation number before your first appointment. You will need to provide this when you book.
What equipment will I need at home?
This depends on your condition and treatment plan. Some patients benefit from a PEP device or incentive spirometer, which Ruth can advise on. Many breathing retraining exercises require no equipment at all.
When should I see my GP or go to A&E instead?
If you experience sudden, severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing up blood, or you cannot speak in full sentences due to breathing difficulty, seek emergency medical attention. Respiratory physiotherapy is for the ongoing management of diagnosed conditions, not acute emergencies.
Team