1. SHIFT
We call this process of feeling, seeing, and using your breathing differently “nudging the system”. While subtle, this change is profoundly powerful as functional breathing begins to impact every system in your body.
3 Phases
of breathing movement optimization
Progressing your breathing means we add specific tools and implement a “breathing first structure” for all the functional aspects that your life requires. When your body has been breathing dysfunctionally for any length of time , this can be a very different feeling full of excitement and possibility.
2. PROGRESS
3. EXPLORE
At this point, subconscious breathing becomes largely functional freeing you to explore this tool, changing the way you move, feel, sleep, and experience your true potential with functional breathing as your own subtle superpower.
"THE MOST IMPORTANT BREATH IS THE NEXT ONE YOU TAKE"
- Michael 'Bird' Shaffer
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How can we help you improve?
Power
It’s no secret that your body’s production of power relies on effective breathing mechanics.
Proper use of the core muscles results in increased power production, and your "true core" muscles control your breathing. How much more powerful could you be?
Kids & Parents
Children develop breathing dysfunction early in life and often get set in patterns that lead to problems in adulthood including asthma, ADHD, anxiety, sleep problems, and gut problems.
Training their breathing can often result in improved balance and mobility, GI motility, posture, control of gastric contents, and an overall functional improvement. Have you tried everything?
Endurance
Endurance is built on being efficient in your movement, not wasting anything.
Whether you're running, rowing, cycling, or swimming, if your breathing mechanics are not optimal, you are eventually going to fatigue, which results in accessory muscle use. These muscles cost you more energy and often result in pain and dysfunction down the road, like limping on a sore leg. The extra 3-5% improvement from enhanced breathing can be the difference. How much farther could you go?
Pre/Post Surgery
Surgery and breathing are inseparable. Both preparation and recovery are helped by learning how to breathe more effectively.
Our patients learn how to use their breathing to help control pain levels, anxiety, and move functionally both before and after surgery. Our partnerships with surgeons result in a cohesive team approach, preparing patients to move through their recovery physically, chemically, mentally and emotionally. Have you tried everything possible yet?
Balance
Your diaphragm is constantly multi-tasking to keep you upright, moving, and alive. Even a strong person with a weak diaphragm will lose their balance before they lose their breath. Could your balance improve?
Odd as it may seem, there is reliable data linking breathing muscles and balance.
Disease/Long-COVID
Sometimes the tipping point between getting by and getting better comes down to how you breathe. Long-COVID, COPD, asthma, and changes caused by trauma or neurologic injury can devastate the muscles that help you breathe long after other parts of your body have improved. Are you thriving or just surviving?
Getting back to full function after a healthcare crisis can be a lengthy and lonely challenge with more questions than answers. Optimized breathing mechanics are you best tool.
Andy Sabatier, PT, DPT
Breathing Focused
Andy completed his doctorate in physical therapy in 2013 from New York University, clinical training at Stanford Hospital’s cardiac ICU, and extensive breathing education under Mary Massery DPT. He spent the next 7 years practicing in the ICU in Central Oregon helping thousands of patients to breathe and survive their most critical moments. Andy now works to bring that same breathing first approach to the greater community through Academy West.
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Bend OR 97702
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