Dysfunctional Breathing: The Complete Guide

Breathing is something we do automatically, yet many people develop breathing patterns that are inefficient or dysfunctional. These patterns can contribute to a surprising range of symptoms including neck tension, fatigue, anxiety, poor exercise tolerance, brain fog, acid reflux, digestive issues and persistent pain.

At Move Authentically Physiotherapy, breathing assessment and retraining are an important part of helping people restore more efficient movement and improve overall health.

This guide explains what dysfunctional breathing is, how it can affect the body, and how physiotherapy can help.

What Is Dysfunctional Breathing?

Dysfunctional breathing occurs when the normal breathing pattern becomes inefficient. Instead of breathing primarily through the diaphragm and rib cage, many people begin to rely on accessory muscles in the neck and chest.

Common characteristics include:

• Upper chest breathing
• Overuse of neck muscles
• Shallow or rapid breathing
• Difficulty taking a deep breath
• Breath-holding during movement

Over time, these patterns can place unnecessary strain on the body and influence both physical and nervous system function.

If you’re interested in learning more about breathing patterns, you can explore our article on Breathing Pattern Disorder.

Signs You May Have a Dysfunctional Breathing Pattern

Many people are unaware their breathing pattern has changed. Some common signs include:

• Frequent neck, shoulder tension and headaches 
• Feeling like you can’t get a satisfying breath
• Air hunger 
• Shortness of breath during normal activities
• Anxiety or feelings of breathlessness
• Fatigue or poor endurance
• Changes in your voice or difficulty speaking
• Rib cage stiffness
• Frequent sighing or yawning

If these symptoms sound familiar, a breathing assessment can help determine whether breathing mechanics are contributing to your symptoms.

How Breathing Affects the Body

Breathing does much more than simply move oxygen in and out of the lungs. It also plays an important role in:

Nervous System Regulation

Breathing directly influences the autonomic nervous system. Inefficient breathing patterns can increase sympathetic (stress) activity, while efficient breathing can help support relaxation and recovery.

Movement and Stability

The diaphragm plays an important role in trunk stability and pressure regulation. Dysfunctional breathing can influence how the core muscles coordinate during movement.

Pain and Muscle Tension

Overuse of neck and chest muscles for breathing can contribute to:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder tension
• Headaches
• Upper back discomfort

Conditions Often Associated With Dysfunctional Breathing

Dysfunctional breathing patterns may contribute to or worsen symptoms in a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Persistent fatigue
• Exercise intolerance
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Lung disease or conditions 

You can learn more about how breathing influences overall health in this article: Boost Your Immunity With Your Breath

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapists trained in breathing assessment can evaluate several components of breathing function, including:

• Diaphragm movement
• Rib cage mobility
• Breathing muscle use
• Breathing rate and pattern
• Posture and movement coordination

Treatment may include:

• Breathing retraining
• Rib cage mobility exercises
• Postural strategies
• Relaxation techniques
• Integration of breathing into movement

Some individuals benefit from individual assessment sessions, while others may benefit from guided group programs. We provide in-person care in Kingston, ON, and we also offer virtual appointments. Learn more about our breathing assessments and what your appointment would look like.

When to Seek Help

If you experience ongoing symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, neck tension, or difficulty taking a deep breath, a breathing assessment may help identify whether breathing mechanics are contributing to your symptoms.

Improving breathing patterns can often support better movement, reduced tension, and improved overall wellbeing.

Book an Appointment

At Move Authentically Physiotherapy, in Kingston ON, we provide breathing assessments and individualized physiotherapy programs to help people restore efficient breathing patterns and improve their overall movement health.

If you would like to learn more about your breathing pattern, book an appointment with us today.