Respiratory Assisted Procedure

A respiratory assisted procedure is a hands-on approach that uses the body’s natural breathing movement as part of the way a joint is contacted and guided.

This approach is most commonly considered for joints around the torso, where movement is naturally influenced by the respiratory cycle. This may include areas such as the shoulder complex, the rib and chest region and parts of the pelvis.

Because these regions are closely connected to the movement of breathing, inhalation and exhalation can create subtle, natural changes in position and motion. A respiratory assisted procedure works with that movement rather than against it.

At Life Balance Adjustments, any technique used is based on individual assessment findings and what is considered appropriate for the person on the day. This sits within a whole-person approach to health, and forms part of chiropractic care that is tailored to the individual.

To learn more about how care is approached at Life Balance Adjustments, you can explore our Chiropractic Care page.

Why Breathing May Be Used as Part of a Joint Procedure

Breathing does more than move air in and out of the lungs.

Each breath also creates movement through the ribcage, chest wall, spine, shoulders and surrounding soft tissues. This means that some joints near the torso naturally shift slightly as the body moves through inhalation and exhalation.

In some cases, this natural motion may be used as part of a hands-on approach to encourage more efficient joint movement.

Rather than applying force in isolation, the practitioner may work with the timing of the breath and the natural direction of joint motion already occurring within the body.

These areas are closely influenced by breathing mechanics, posture, muscle tone and the way the body transfers force through the trunk.

How the Procedure Is Approached

Assessment comes first.

If you would like to understand how assessment is carried out, including what happens during your first visit, you can explore our What to Expect on Your First Visit page.

Before any technique is considered, Dr Kez assesses how the area is moving and whether there appears to be a direction in which joint motion is not occurring as efficiently.

These types of joint restrictions are explored during the consultation and may inform the selection of techniques and approaches that are considered appropriate for the individual.

If a respiratory assisted procedure is considered appropriate, the movement of breathing may then be used to help guide the timing of the contact.

The aim is to work with the joint’s existing natural movement pattern, rather than forcing movement independently of it.

Working With the Body’s Natural Mechanics

One of the distinguishing features of this approach is that it uses a movement the body is already performing.

Because breathing naturally influences the position of the ribcage, shoulders, spine and pelvis, it can sometimes provide a useful window for guiding joint motion more specifically. By working with this existing motion, the procedure may be applied in a more gentle and coordinated way, aligning with the body’s natural patterns rather than relying on force alone.

This may be particularly relevant in regions where joint motion and breathing mechanics are closely linked.

If you would like to understand more about how this fits within a broader whole-person approach to care, you can explore our Our Approach page.

Respiratory Movement and the Shoulder Complex

The shoulder region is one of the more common areas where this approach may be considered.

This is because the shoulder complex does not function in isolation. The glenohumeral joint, acromioclavicular joint and sternoclavicular joint all work in coordination with the ribcage, clavicle, scapula and upper thoracic region.

In some cases, the way these structures interact may also be associated with patterns noticed in postural imbalances and muscle tension, particularly through the shoulders and upper body.

As breathing changes the position of the chest and ribcage, it may also subtly influence how these structures move together.

Where movement appears restricted or less coordinated, using the respiratory cycle as part of the contact may be one way of working more specifically with that pattern.

Respiratory Movement and the Pelvis

The pelvis is another region where breathing-related motion may be relevant.

Although people often associate breathing mainly with the chest, respiratory movement also influences pressure, muscle activity and motion through the trunk and pelvic region.

Because of this, a slightly more exaggerated breathing pattern may sometimes be used as part of a procedure involving the pelvis, pubic region or sacral area, depending on what is found during assessment.

Another approach sometimes explored at Life Balance Adjustments is blocking techniques, which consider pelvic positioning, leg length differences and how breathing may influence these patterns.

A Tailored Approach

Not every person requires the same type of input.

In some cases, a respiratory assisted procedure may be considered appropriate. In others, a different approach may be preferred depending on the region involved, the level of sensitivity present, the person’s comfort and the overall assessment findings.

At Life Balance Adjustments, techniques and modalities are selected individually rather than applied according to a one-size-fits-all model.

To explore the broader range of techniques and modalities that may be considered as part of care, you can visit our Techniques & Modalities page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Assisted Procedure

What is a respiratory assisted procedure?

It is a hands-on approach that uses the body’s natural breathing movement as part of the timing and direction of a joint procedure. By working with movements the body is already naturally performing, it may often feel like a more gentle and comfortable approach for some people.

Which joints is this most commonly used for?

It is more commonly considered for joints near the torso, such as parts of the shoulder complex, rib and chest region, pubic bone  and pelvis.

Why is breathing involved?

Breathing creates natural movement through the torso and nearby joints. In some cases, a slightly more exaggerated breath may be used during the procedure to enhance these natural movement patterns. As the joint moves with the breath, a gentle external pressure may be applied in a direction where movement appears reduced, helping to guide the joint toward a more balanced pattern of motion.

Is assessment needed first?

Yes. Assessment helps determine whether a joint is moving efficiently and whether this type of approach is considered appropriate. Care is not provided without a comprehensive assessment to understand what may be occurring within the body, which helps guide the selection of techniques and modalities.

Is this only used for the shoulder?

No. Although it is commonly associated with the shoulder complex, it may also be considered in other regions around the torso, including the pelvis and nearby structures, depending on the presentation.

Does this technique force the joint?

The intention is to work with the body’s natural mechanics and timing, rather than trying to move the joint in isolation from what the body is already doing. This aligns with a chiropractic philosophy that focuses on working with the body’s inherent patterns of movement and function, rather than applying force in isolation.