Respiratory physiotherapy in South Kensington
Assessment and treatment to help you breathe easier, clear secretions, manage breathlessness and improve exercise tolerance — delivered by experienced respiratory physios at Santi London.
Conditions we commonly support
What to expect at Santi
Assessment & goals
History, pattern of symptoms, auscultation (where indicated), breath pattern analysis, sputum review and agreed outcomes.
Teach & trial techniques
Immediate coaching on the right airway-clearance and breathing tools for you, plus device fitting if needed.
Plan & progression
Written home plan, pacing strategy, rehab progression and when to escalate care.
Techniques & tools we use
ACBT
Active Cycle of Breathing Technique: breathing control, deep breaths and huff to clear secretions effectively.
PEP / OPEP devices
Positive Expiratory Pressure (with or without oscillation) to mobilise and move sputum.
Autogenic drainage
Controlled airflow at different lung volumes to shift secretions without excessive coughing.
Breathing retraining
Diaphragmatic and nasal breathing, cadence control, recovery positions for exertional breathlessness.
Manual techniques
Where appropriate: percussions/vibrations, thoracic mobility drills, postural work.
Pulmonary rehab planning
Graded activity, strength and walking plans with pacing and flare-up rules.
Safety, suitability & when to seek urgent care
Good candidates
Stable respiratory conditions with ongoing mucus/breathlessness issues, frequent infections, or deconditioning.
We’ll coordinate
We can liaise with your GP/respiratory team and support inhaler technique, spacers, nebuliser routines and airway devices.
Red flags (seek urgent help)
Chest pain, coughing up blood, severe breathlessness at rest, high fever, confusion, blue lips/fingertips, or sudden swelling/pain in the leg.
Do I need a GP referral?
No — you can self-refer. If further tests or medical review are needed, we’ll guide you.
Will I get a home plan?
Yes — we’ll provide written steps (technique, frequency, device settings) and flare-up rules.
How many sessions will I need?
Often 1–3 for technique mastery; ongoing reviews if you have recurrent infections or complex conditions.
Can you help after surgery?
Yes — we support pre-op (lung prep) and post-op chest care to reduce complications and speed recovery.
Expert Respiratory Physiotherapy
At Santi London, we offer specialist respiratory physiotherapy under the expertise of Maria Koulopoulou, a highly experienced respiratory physiotherapist. Our tailored treatments are designed to help individuals manage and improve breathing disorders, optimise lung function, and enhance overall respiratory health.
What is Respiratory Physiotherapy?
Respiratory physiotherapy focuses on improving lung function, reducing breathlessness, and clearing mucus from the airways. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Bronchiectasis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Post-COVID lung issues
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Recurrent chest infections
- Pre- and post-surgical respiratory rehabilitation
Benefits of Respiratory Physiotherapy
Our specialised treatments can help with:
- Enhanced lung function: Improve oxygen intake and breathing efficiency.
- Airway clearance techniques: Reduce mucus buildup and prevent infections.
- Breathlessness management: Learn strategies to reduce breathlessness and increase stamina.
- Postural drainage techniques: Help clear the lungs and ease breathing.
- Improved exercise tolerance: Strengthen respiratory muscles for better endurance.
- Rehabilitation post-COVID or surgery: Support recovery and restore lung capacity.
Our Approach to Respiratory Physiotherapy
At Santi London, we take a personalised and evidence-based approach to respiratory physiotherapy. Your treatment plan may include:
1. Assessment & Diagnosis
Maria Koulopoulou conducts a detailed respiratory assessment, evaluating your lung function, breathing patterns, and medical history to design a tailored treatment plan.
2. Airway Clearance Techniques
Using active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT), autogenic drainage, and percussion therapy, we help clear mucus from the lungs to reduce infection risks.
3. Breathing Retraining
We teach diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and Buteyko techniques to improve lung efficiency and reduce breathlessness.
4. Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy
A structured exercise program tailored to improve lung capacity, muscle strength, and overall fitness.
5. Post-Surgical or Post-COVID Rehabilitation
Guidance on managing post-operative or post-viral breathing difficulties, optimising recovery, and improving long-term respiratory health.
Who Can Benefit?
If you experience chronic coughing, shortness of breath, frequent chest infections, or difficulty clearing mucus, respiratory physiotherapy may be highly beneficial. It is also recommended for individuals recovering from COVID-19, pneumonia, or lung surgery.
Why Choose Santi London?
- Highly qualified specialist: Maria Koulopoulou has extensive experience in treating complex respiratory conditions.
- Tailored one-to-one sessions: Personalised treatments based on your unique needs.
- State-of-the-art facilities: A calm and professional environment in the heart of London.
- Holistic approach: We integrate breathing techniques, rehabilitation, and lifestyle guidance for optimal results.
