Which doctor treats a funnel chest?
The diagnosis of whether a funnel chest is involved, how pronounced it is and to what extent the health of the affected person is impaired is largely determined by the orthopedist. He can also prescribe the necessary physiotherapy or physiotherapy. In thoracic surgery, patients should introduce themselves if an operative funnel chest correction is planned. There are special clinics for children with a department for pediatric thoracic surgery.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of the funnel chest is a so-called gaze diagnosis. Usually, the patient can see his “problem” from the outside. In order to find out to what extent he and his physical functions are restricted by this, a CT can be performed. This tomography of the body shows exactly which organs are being displaced. Special attention is paid to the heart and its functionality.
Therapy
In the case of freedom from symptoms and before the age of 14-16, there is very rarely a need for action in the case of funnel chest. Regular follow-ups, postural training and physiotherapy are of priority in childhood. Specific exercises can correct the funnel-induced poor posture, but not the funnel chest itself.
Training of the back muscles can help to limit or completely prevent secondary damage caused by the funnel chest. In addition, the incorrect loading of the intervertebral discs is counteracted with back-stabilizing exercises. The use of a suction cup can also alleviate the complaints of the funnel chest.
Surgical correction of the funnel chest is indicated in cases of functional impairment due to the malformation, especially if the heart or lungs are damaged by the funnel chest. In some cases, the heart can be displaced and thus its pumping capacity impaired. Frequently, however, there are also psychological impairments due to the cosmetic problems associated with funnel chest, with a reduced self-esteem up to a shameful lack of contact.
In some cases, surgery can also be performed for cosmetic correction. Often, however, only psychological and cosmetic reasons for the operation are not accepted by German health insurance companies and the treatment costs may not be covered. Even if the spine is incorrectly loaded with back pain as a result, surgery may follow.
Breathing exercises, muscle building and posture training are very important for a funnel chest, no matter how pronounced it is. With a funnel chest, breathing problems such as shortness of breath can occur, which can be improved by breathing training and also posture training.In the case of a light funnel chest, muscle building exercises can reduce the funnel chest. However, it takes time to raise a funnel chest purely by exercises. In the best case you should consult a physiotherapist to find out which exercises are most suitable.
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