If your lungs got impacted during COVID, it’s extremely important to follow certain guidelines and techniques to bring them back to their original capacity. Pneumonia in the chest can lead to several complications and that’s the reason one must be extremely cautious during the recovery phase. Here are some physiotherapist recommended exercises that you must do daily, at least 6-7 times every day
Spirometer
The three balls machine is one of the your biggest bets in strengthening your lungs. The right way to do it is by inhaling deeply and trying to get all the balls up, and exhaling outside the nozzle. Make sure none of this is a jerky movement. It should be very smooth.
Pursed breathing
Pursed breathing is another very important breathing technique that helps open the lungs. Purse your lips and deeply inhale from your nose. Now make an O and exhale from your mouth. Repeat this as many times as you can!
Om chanting
Take a deep inhalation and then exhale while chanting OM- make sure you open your mouth as wide as possible while making that sound. It won’t sound like a typical Om sound but will have a wider ring to it.
Lung opening exercises (2 variations)
Keep your hands straight in front of you and clasp them together. Now take them overhead and inhale and bring them back parallel to your eyes and exhale.
Hold the back of your head with both your hands so you make elephant like ears on the side of the head with your folded hands. Now open your arms and inhale and bring them back close to your face and exhale.
Blow a balloon!
This will be tough but is a highly recommended exercise for lung recovery. The idea is to not give up..
Walk
Depending on your lung condition and your SPO2 levels, incorporate brief walks in your routine. Do it indoors for now because your health needs recovery!
Make sure you have plenty of fluids and have 5-minute steam everyday. Do not change anything drastic in your lifestyle or diet without consulting your doctor. Last but not the least, get lots of rest!
