Journal of Physiotherapy in Medical and Surgical Conditions

Authors :  Kavita R. Shewale, Arjun M. Pillai, Swathi R. Dandapani

Abstract : Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among the elderly, infants, and immunocompromised individuals. Effective management of pneumonia not only involves antimicrobial therapy but also supportive techniques aimed at improving pulmonary function and airway clearance. One such supportive technique is postural drainage—a physiotherapeutic intervention that uses gravity-assisted positioning to mobilize pulmonary secretions from different lung segments. This paper explores the physiological basis of postural drainage, its techniques, indications, contraindications, and clinical effectiveness in managing pneumonia. The integration of postural drainage with other chest physiotherapy modalities significantly enhances patient outcomes by improving oxygenation, reducing infection risk from retained secretions, and decreasing the length of hospital stay.

Keywords : Pneumonia, Postural Drainage, Chest Physiotherapy, Airway Clearance, Respiratory Therapy