Breathe Better - Move Better! The Connection You Didn't Know About.
Stop holding your breath when it comes to your health! Discover how breathing with purpose can supercharge your mobility, calm your body, and even speed up recovery.
When we think of physical therapy, most people picture exercises, stretches, and strengthening routines. But there’s a hidden element that often makes all the difference in recovery and mobility: your breath.
Breathing isn’t just something your body does automatically—it’s a powerful therapeutic tool. The way you breathe can affect your posture, your pain levels, and even how well your body heals. At Vitality Physical Therapy Lakeside, we often call breathwork our “secret weapon” for helping patients improve movement and reduce discomfort.
Why Breathing Matters for Mobility
Posture Support
Shallow chest breathing overworks the neck and shoulder muscles, often leading to stiffness and pain. By learning to breathe deeply into the diaphragm, you support your spine and encourage better alignment.
Pain Relief & Relaxation
Slow, controlled breathing tells your nervous system to relax. This reduces tension in tight muscles, lowers stress, and helps decrease pain signals in the body.
Improved Movement
When your lungs expand fully, your ribcage and spine move too. Better breathing means better flexibility in the upper body, which helps with walking, reaching, twisting, and balance.
Try This Simple Exercise
Next time you’re sitting comfortably, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
- Take a slow breath in through your nose, aiming to feel your belly rise more than your chest.
- Exhale gently through your mouth, letting your shoulders relax down.
- Repeat 5–10 times.
This practice helps retrain your body to breathe more efficiently and can be especially beneficial before or after exercise, during therapy sessions, or when you’re feeling tense.
⚡ Did You Know? Your diaphragm is actually a muscle—and just like any other muscle, it can be strengthened with practice. Stronger breathing muscles mean better posture and more energy.
Breathing + Physical Therapy = Better Outcomes
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, dealing with chronic pain, or working to stay active as you age, breathwork can accelerate your progress. Our therapists often integrate breathing techniques into treatment plans—not just for relaxation, but to enhance strength, balance, and endurance.