Chest physiotherapy CPT positioning for larger children age 2 and older (1033)

Key points below


Positioning for larger children - age 2 and older

What is CPT?   

CPT is a treatment to help loosen mucous in your child's lungs.  CPT is sometimes called chest clapping. 

When should I do CPT?

Your doctor will tell you how many times to do CPT each day. 

CPT should be done either:

How do I prepare to do CPT?

How is CPT done? 

Your doctor or nurse will show you

how to clap over each area.  

Usually each spot is clapped for 2 to 5 minutes.  Your doctor or nurse will tell you how long to clap each spot.  
Using your cupped hand or a “clapper” begin clapping your child’s chest. Your healthcare provider will show you how strong to clap.

Do not clap:

During CPT, ask your child to cough and spit into a tissue or basin.  

What positions should I use for CPT?

Your doctor or nurse will tell you which positions should be used.  Look at the following pictures. 

Upper Areas: 

1. Front  upper area, both sidesCPT head

 

 

 

2.Top upper area, both sidesupper back CPT

 

 

 

 

 

3. Back upper area, both sides back CPT

 

Middle areas:

1. Left middle areamiddle CPT

2. Right middle area

 

Lower areas:lower CPT

Important note:  
Some children should not have their head or the bed “tipped down” like the picture below.  Check with your doctor before tipping the bed.
If your doctor tells you not to tip the bed, position the bed flat and clap the spot shown.

 

 

1. Right and Left Side, Lower Area

2. Lower Front Areas 

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child:

  • Becomes short of breath more than normal.
  • Has blue or gray color around lips or fingernails.
  • Has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.