Physiotherapy for adults with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in Gloucestershire.

At  CF clinic every patient will be seen by the CF Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, or another member of the CF Physiotherapy team.

This provides an opportunity to discuss  lung function, identify any problems with sputum clearance and review and modify daily Airway Clearance Techniques (ACTs) as well as sending a sputum sample to microbiology.

Every CF patient is set individual exercise goals and progress is reviewed and encouraged every clinic.

Visits with patients to local gym facilities can be arranged to help support individual programmes and talk to Fitness trainers  so that they can provide extra encouragement if needed.  Advice is available  on special concessionary rates available locally, as well as the opportunity to apply for charity funding for special interests and hobbies.

 All patients have a fitness test prior to annual review with the CF centre; this is either a modified shuttle walk test (MSWT) in the physiotherapy gym, or cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) for our budding athletes in the lung function lab. Cups are awarded  for both the highest and the most improved score which provides extra motivation!

Any joint problems limiting activity or women’s health issues are also discussed, with referral to an appropriate specialist for further treatment if required.

During admission to Guiting ward patients see a specialist CF physiotherapist twice a day.

 This is a great chance to modify and improve ACTs, go for a gym session, download and discuss I- Neb technique and generally help patients to organise a physio routine which is as easy as possible to continue at home.

Patients are  encouraged to exercise independently too and the  Wii-Fit, exercise bike, hand weights and BOSU all help to boost lung function and beat boredom!

CF Physiotherapy support is not limited to hospital; the CF physiotherapy team regularly support patients who prefer to have their IV therapy during exacerbations at home ; providing help with chest treatment and working on fitness goals in a way that fits best around the patient’s home ,work and family commitments.