About Me
Rachel Garrod Ph.D MSc. Dip Grad Phys
Breath better. Move better. Feel better.
Rachel graduated from Guys School of Physiotherapy in 1991 and then worked in a number of teaching hospitals in London. In 1987 she obtained an M.Sc. in Health Sciences and specialised in respiratory care. In 2001 she was awarded a PhD in pulmonary rehabilitation. As Assistant Professor Physiotherapy, St George’s University she led on undergraduate and post graduate respiratory teaching and research. With over 100 peer reviewed publications, a number of book chapters and as editor of “Pulmonary Rehabilitation: An interdisciplinary approach”, she is an international expert on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Clinically, Rachel’s area of expertise is in the delivery of exercise for people with chronic health problems, such as diabetes, COPD, renal failure and hypertension. Her rehabilitation programmes feature components such as balance re-education, progressive resisted exercise, gait and posture training. She teaches breathing re-training, Inspiratory Muscle Training and provides physical activity therapies for people with cardio-respiratory conditions, such as asthma, emphysema, hyperventilation, and panic disorders. She is trained in both mindfulness and hypnotherapy.
Rachel moved to Spain in 2014, where she provides domiciliary and online respiratory physiotherapy / pulmonary rehabilitation. Rachel continues to be active in lecturing; 29th Annual Panhellenic Scientific Congress of Physiotherapy, Athens, December 2019; a series of webinars for the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care, February 2021; Symposium “Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns” Irish Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Annual Conference 2021.
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Breathing exercises
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Comprehensive programme of education, support and strength training proven to improve breathlessness, reduce anxiety and increase walking distance
Respiratory Muscle Training
Inspiratory Muscle training to strengthen diaphragm and Intercostal muscles resulting in less breathlessness and improved exercise tolerance
Stop smoking services
Hypnotherapy, face to face/ Online coaching. Herbal medication , Cytisine (proven to reduce the urge to smoke) provided as part of the course
Airway Clearance
Some patients with respiratory disease have a lot of phlegm. Learning techniques to help clear your airways can help reduce infections and help you breathe more easily. This is especially relevant for COPD; Bronchiectasis and CF