Cardiothoracic physiotherapists deal primarily with the function of the cardiorespiratory system. The cardiothoracic physiotherapist, often working in the acute hospital, deals with the variety of situations, some of them being:

• Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease (Emphysema, Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis)
• Following general surgery
• General medical conditions
• Following cardiac surgery
• Following most types of thoracic surgery
• Intensive Care Unit patients

The cardiothoracic physiotherapists aims to optimize the function of the cardiothoracic system and patient comfort, resulting in increased exercise tolerance, a reduced chance of developing complications such as chest infections, reduced shortness of breath, and a reduced length of stay in the hospital.

Some of the treatment techniques at the physiotherapist disposal are:

• Breathing techniques either to reduce shortness of breath or increase lung expansion
• Patient positioning
• Sputum clearance with percussions, vibrations , coughing, deep breathing, , suction
• Mobilizing, sitting out of bed, or walking
• Oxygen therapy
• Mechanical ventilators
• Medications
• Exercise programs