How to do it
You need: A firm pillow or rolled towel.
Sit upright in a chair or well propped up in bed. Hold a firm pillow or rolled towel against your wound.
- Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose, letting your lower ribs widen.
- Hold the breath gently for two or three seconds at the top.
- Breathe out easily through your mouth.
- After every few deep breaths, hug the pillow firmly against the wound and give one or two small huffs or a gentle cough to clear your chest.
Form cues
- Your lower ribs and tummy move outward as you breathe in, not just your shoulders.
- The pillow gives firm support against the wound each time you huff or cough.
- Your chest feels like it is gradually clearing.
Common mistakes
- Breathing only shallowly into the top of your chest.
- Coughing or huffing without supporting the wound.
- Skipping the exercises because they feel like hard work.
Safety: Stop and seek urgent medical advice if you become more breathless, get chest pain or a fever, or cough up green, brown, or bloody phlegm.