Anxiety

Are you experiencing any of the following?

Feeling short of breath or unable to take a full breath
Rapid breathing or hyperventilation
Tightness in the chest or throat
Racing heartbeat or palpitations
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Tingling sensations in the hands, face, or body
Feeling overwhelmed, restless, or unable to relax
Sudden episodes of intense fear or panic
Difficulty sleeping or poor-quality sleep
Fatigue, tension, or difficulty concentrating

How can we help?

Comprehensive assessment of breathing symptoms, anxiety triggers, and panic-related experiences
Review of medical history, lifestyle factors, stress levels, and the impact on daily activities
Assessment of breathing patterns, including dysfunctional breathing or hyperventilation
Education on the connection between breathing, anxiety, and physical symptoms
Training in breathing control and relaxation techniques to reduce panic symptoms
Guidance on recognising early warning signs of anxiety and panic episodes
Techniques to improve breath awareness, reduce over-breathing, and restore calm breathing patterns
Support with managing breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness, and related physical symptoms
Advice on sleep, pacing, activity levels, and strategies to improve overall wellbeing
Individualised self-management plan with practical tools, coping strategies, and recommendations for ongoing support

Breathing plays an important role in regulating the balance of the nervous system. Fast, shallow breathing can activate the body’s “fight or flight” response, increasing feelings of stress, tension, and anxiety. In contrast, slow, controlled breathing helps stimulate the body’s “rest and restore” response, promoting relaxation, calmness, and improved emotional regulation. Learning how to control and optimise breathing patterns can therefore have a powerful effect on both physical symptoms and overall wellbeing.

Anxiety and breath

Anxiety and breathing are closely connected. When we feel anxious or stressed, our breathing often becomes faster, shallower, or more irregular, which can lead to symptoms such as breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness, tingling, or a feeling of not getting enough air. These physical sensations can then increase feelings of panic and anxiety, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. Respiratory physiotherapy helps by identifying unhelpful breathing patterns and teaching practical techniques to restore calmer, more efficient breathing and improve symptom control.