Physiotherapy in AICU supports breathing, movement, and recovery at every stage of critical illness — whether the patient is sedated, on a ventilator, or breathing independently. Care is always provided in coordination with the ICU medical team and based on the patient's stability.
Phases of Physiotherapy Care
1
Patient Intubated & Sedated
Patient on a breathing machine and not awake
Goals: Protect lungs · Maintain mobility · Prevent weakness · Prepare for recovery
Breathing & Lung Care
- Positioning to improve oxygen levels
- Chest physiotherapy to help remove secretions
- Supporting prone positioning when medically required
Movement & Prevention
- Passive range of motion exercises
- Joint positioning to prevent stiffness
- Preventing muscle shortening and weakness
- Reducing risk of pressure injuries
2
Intubated but Not Fully Sedated
Patient may open eyes or follow simple commands
Goals: Improve lung expansion · Rebuild strength · Support ventilator weaning
Breathing Support
- Breathing pattern training if responsive
- Gentle breathing exercises
- Secretion clearance techniques
Early Mobilization (If Stable)
- Sitting up in bed
- Dangling legs at bedside
- Standing with assistance
- Transferring to a chair
Early safe mobilization in ICU is supported by international critical care guidelines, including recommendations from the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
3
After Extubation
Breathing tube removed — a critical recovery phase
Goals: Restore breathing · Regain strength · Prevent re-intubation · Prepare for ICU transfer
Breathing Rehabilitation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Incentive breathing devices if prescribed
- Cough training
- Airway clearance support
Functional Recovery
- Bed mobility training
- Sitting balance
- Standing practice
- Walking with assistance
4
Not Intubated but Critically Ill
Some patients may never require a ventilator
Goals: Optimise oxygen · Manage secretions · Maintain strength · Prevent deconditioning
Physiotherapy focuses on
- Oxygen optimisation positioning
- Secretion management
- Strength maintenance
- Endurance training as tolerated
- Preventing deconditioning
What Patients & Families Can Expect
Our commitment to you
- Care provided only when medically safe
- Continuous monitoring during every treatment session
- Clear communication with family at all stages
- Gentle, structured, goal-based rehabilitation
- Full collaboration with the ICU medical and nursing team
Please remember: Recovery in ICU is often gradual. Progress may be slow but every small step is meaningful and celebrated by our team.
How Families Can Help
Provide Background Information
- Previous mobility level
- Occupation and hobbies
- Exercise habits
- Any joint or spine problems
Encourage Participation
- Motivate during exercises when awake
- Offer reassurance and calm presence
- Celebrate small improvements
Emotional Support
- Anxiety can affect breathing and recovery
- Calm reassurance helps reduce stress
- Your presence matters greatly
Follow Safety Guidance
- Do not mobilise patient without staff present
- Follow all positioning instructions
- Always ask before assisting
Important message for families: Physiotherapy in ICU is not just exercise. It is a structured medical intervention designed to protect the lungs, preserve strength, and support long-term recovery — even when the patient appears unconscious.