Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) for

Children
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES

What is chest physiotherapy (CPT)?

Chest physiotherapy (CPT) is a treatment to loosen mucus and thick fluids in the lungs. It uses gravity and
vibration to help move mucus out of the lungs and encourage coughing. It should be done several times a
day. Your child will sit up or lie in several positions on a bed. Pillows may be used to keep her
comfortable. Then, a nurse or respiratory therapist will clap on your child’s chest with a cupped hand. This
will not hurt your child.

How do I do CPT?
If your child has gastric reflux or receives tube feedings, ask her doctor about how to position her for CPT
before starting.

1. With your child sitting up, clap on both sides of the upper part
of her back. Do not clap on her spine.

2. Clap above the collarbone, between each shoulder and the

neck. Do not clap on her breastbone.

3. Have your child lie flat on her back with no pillow under her
head. Put pillows below her knees to make her more comfortable.
Clap between the nipple and the collarbone on both sides.

4. Have your child lie on her side with her head slanted down.
Use pillows under her hips to get the right angle. Clap over each
nipple. For young girls who are developing breasts, clap below the
breast tissue. Clap on both sides under the armpits. Clap on both
sides of the middle back.

5. Turn your child to her other side, keeping her body at the same
angle. Clap over each nipple. Clap on both sides under the
armpits. Clap on both sides of the middle back.

6. Have your child lie on her stomach. Put pillows under her
waist to slant her torso. Clap on both sides of her lower middle
back.

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In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
This is general information and is not specific medical advice for your child. Always consult your child’s doctor or other healthcare
provider if you have any questions or concerns about the care or health of your child. A Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
pediatric advice nurse is available 24 hours a day at 404.250.kids.

PULMONARY PFER 014 / 12.03 / CPT FOR CHILDREN

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 CPT for Children continued

Tips
• Wait at least one hour after meals or feedings to do CPT - this helps prevent vomiting.
• CPT does not hurt.
• During CPT, clap on the rib cage. Do not clap below the rib cage or on the breastbone or spine.
• Your child’s skin should be covered during CPT. Have her wear pajamas, a hospital gown or light
clothing.
• Coughing helps clear the lungs of mucus. Have your child cough with each position change.
• Stop CPT and call your child’s doctor right away if he coughs up any mucus with blood in it.
• Head down position may not be done in children with reflux. Check with your child’s doctor.
• Aerosol treatments should be given before CPT to help your child clear the mucus.

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