Postural drainage

Who is the leaflet for? What is its aim?

This leaflet is intended to provide information on postural drainage, what its purpose is and how to use it.

What is postural drainage and how does it help?

Postural drainage is a technique that involves laying/ sitting in certain positions to drain secretions from your airways using gravity. Depending on the areas of your lungs most affected by secretions, there will be certain positions that will work best in maximising the benefit of your airway clearance.

What position should I use?

How do I use postural drainage?

After assessment from a respiratory physiotherapist you will be given advice on what positions will work best for you and how long you should be in each position. These positions are intended to be used at the same time as breathing exercises your therapist would have gone through with you. You should find yourself somewhere you feel comfortable and spacious enough to manoeuvre into different positions.