Contact number: 020 7806 4010
Our specialist respiratory physiotherapy service is designed to support patients with both acute and chronic respiratory conditions. We combine evidence-based treatment with advanced breathing assessment techniques to help you breathe more efficiently, reduce symptoms, and improve your quality of life.
Conditions treated with respiratory physiotherapy include:
- Bronchiectasis
- Asthma
- COPD
- Persistent / Chronic Cough
- Recurrent Chest Infections
- Breathing Pattern Disorders (Dysfunctional Breathing)
- Breathlessness
- Respiratory compromise following surgery or severe illness
You may be referred by a Consultant or GP, or choose to self-refer if you experience:
- Shortness of breath at rest or during activity
- Newly diagnosed or long-standing respiratory conditions
- Difficulty clearing airway secretions
- Persistent cough
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Limited understanding of how to manage your respiratory condition
BradCliff Breathing Method
We are proud to offer specialist breathing retraining using the BradCliff Breathing Method, delivered by physiotherapists with Level 1 and Level 2 certification. This advanced, structured approach enables precise assessment of breathing pattern disorders and identifies the underlying causes of symptoms such as breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue, and chronic cough.
BradCliff Method Benefits
Unlike general breathing exercises, the BradCliff Method allows us to deliver highly individualised assessment and treatment, helping you:
- Improve breathing efficiency and control
- Reduce breathlessness and respiratory discomfort
- Increase exercise tolerance
- Reduce overuse of neck and upper chest muscles
- Gain confidence in managing your symptoms
Who can benefit?
The BradCliff Breathing Method can be particularly helpful for people experiencing:
- Breathing pattern disorders (dysfunctional breathing)
- Persistent or unexplained breathlessness
- Chronic cough
- Asthma with ongoing symptoms
- Long COVID-related breathing difficulties
- Anxiety-related breathing symptoms
What happens at respiratory physiotherapy
Before your appointment
At your first appointment, your specialist respiratory physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life.
This includes:
- Onset, frequency, and duration of symptoms
- Medical and medication history
- Relevant investigations
- Lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, and exercise
This is followed by a comprehensive physical and breathing assessment. Your initial session will form the basis of your personalised treatment plan and goals.
During respiratory physiotherapy
We offer a wide range of specialist respiratory physiotherapy techniques, including:
- Assessment of breathing during exercise and advice to optimise breathing patterns
- Inspiratory muscle training
- Evidence-based education to support long-term self-management
- Airway clearance techniques (e.g. Active Cycle of Breathing, device prescription, manual techniques)
You will have follow up sessions in order to monitor your progress reviewing your symptom presentation, along with continued reassessment of your respiratory system or breathing pattern. There will also be a review of techniques taught and your understanding of your condition.
You may only need one appointment. However, a series of sessions could be recommended. If this is the case, your first few sessions may be scheduled closer together (for example every week or fortnightly) so your therapist can see how you’re getting on with the exercises and modify your treatment plan as necessary. Your individual circumstances and the progress you make will inform how many sessions you will need in total.
After your therapy
As your symptoms improve, your sessions will become less frequent but you will be supported to continue your personalised programme independently.
Your engagement is key to achieving the best outcomes. If you experience any difficulties, your physiotherapist will provide ongoing guidance and adjustments to your programme.
How much does private respiratory physiotherapy cost?
|
Respiratory Physiotherapy initial appointment (60 mins) |
£165 |
|---|---|
|
Respiratory Physiotherapy follow-up appointment (45 mins) |
£153.75 |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of therapist and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
A breathing pattern disorder (also known as dysfunctional breathing) occurs when your breathing becomes inefficient or uncoordinated, often leading to symptoms such as breathlessness, dizziness, chest tightness, or fatigue—even when lung tests are normal.
The BradCliff Breathing Method uses a structured and detailed assessment to identify the root cause of your breathing dysfunction, rather than just treating symptoms. This allows for a more targeted and effective treatment plan.
No. You can self-refer directly. However, many patients are also referred by their GP or Consultant.
This varies depending on your condition and goals. Some patients benefit from a small number of sessions, while others with more complex conditions may require ongoing support.
Yes. Breathing retraining, particularly using the BradCliff Method, can be highly effective in managing long COVID symptoms, persistent breathlessness, and breathing pattern disorders.
Yes. We provide tailored treatment to help manage symptoms, improve breathing efficiency, and support long-term self-management alongside your medical care.
We welcome referrals from GPs, Consultants, and Allied Health Professionals for patients requiring specialist respiratory physiotherapy assessment and treatment.
Our service offers:
- Advanced assessment of breathing pattern disorders
- Treatment using the BradCliff Breathing Method (Level 1 & 2 certified clinicians)
- Management of complex breathlessness and chronic respiratory symptoms
- Post-operative and post-critical illness respiratory rehabilitation
- Support for long COVID and unexplained respiratory symptoms
Why refer to us?
- Specialist expertise in dysfunctional breathing
- Evidence-based, patient-centred treatment
- Clear communication and clinical updates
- Rapid access to appointments within a private hospital setting
How to refer to our respiratory physiotherapy team
Referrals can be made via:
- Direct clinician referral
- Email / secure referral pathway
- Patient self-referral (with feedback provided if required)
For further information or to discuss a patient, please contact our team.
Medically reviewed by Arlene Klue - BSc. Physiotherapy on 30/04/2026