Postural drainage, positioning to clear the chest

Postural drainage

Postural drainage uses gravity to help mucus move out of the lungs. The person is placed in certain positions so that the part of the lung holding phlegm sits higher, letting it drain toward the airway to be coughed up.

This matters for people whose chest fills with mucus, such as after a chest infection or when someone is bedridden and cannot clear it alone.

Our physiotherapist chooses safe positions for the person, often combined with breathing exercises and gentle chest techniques. We check the position suits their health and comfort, and teach the caregiver how to do it at home, so the chest clears more easily and infection risk drops.