Breathing Exercises for Lung Expansion 

Thoracic expansion exercises and incentive spirometry are designed to expand the lung after anaesthetic/surgery, and will improve post-op breathlessness. The effects of these breathing exercises are enhanced by being as mobile as possible, walking to the point of breathlessness.

Thoracic Expansion Exercises

• Deep, slow, inspiration with 4 second breath hold
• Frequency: 10 x per hour during waking hours
• perform in side lying – operated lung upwards (unless otherwise instructed), or sitting upright

Incentive Spirometry

• Slow, deep inspiration through mouthpiece, 6 second hold. Keep the flow marker within smiley face, whilst reaching maximal level on the volume scale
• 10 x per hour when awake
• Best performed sitting upright

© The Oesophageal Patients Association