BradCliff Breathing Method

The BradCliff Breathing Method is a structured, evidence-informed approach to assessing and retraining breathing patterns. Developed by New Zealand physiotherapists, it focuses on restoring optimal breathing mechanics, improving posture, calming the nervous system, and supporting recovery from a wide range of physical and emotional conditions.

Understanding Disordered Breathing

Many people breathe inefficiently without realising it.
Disordered breathing (also known as dysfunctional breathing) occurs when your breathing pattern becomes irregular, shallow, or overly effortful — even when your lungs and airways are healthy.

Common symptoms of disordered breathing:

• Frequent sighing or yawning

• Feeling breathless or “air hungry”

• Tightness in the chest, neck, or shoulders

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Tingling in hands or lips

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue or poor sleep

• Anxiety, restlessness, or panic sensations

Left untreated, disordered breathing can reinforce stress and pain cycles, leading to ongoing discomfort and reduced quality of life.

How the BradCliff Method Helps

The BradCliff Breathing Method helps identify and correct inefficient breathing patterns by addressing both the mechanical (how you breathe) and physiological (how your body responds) aspects of breathing.

Key goals:

• Restore natural diaphragmatic breathing

• Reduce overuse of neck and shoulder muscles

• Rebalance carbon dioxide and oxygen levels

• Improve posture, movement efficiency, and core stability

• Enhance calm, focus, and nervous system regulation

What It’s Used to Treat

BradCliff Breathing Therapy is used by physiotherapists and clinicians to help with a wide range of conditions, including:

Physical Conditions

• Chronic neck, shoulder, or upper back tension

• Low back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction

• Postural strain 

• Asthma and chronic lung conditions (as adjunct therapy)

• Recovery from respiratory illness or surgery

Functional and Emotional Conditions

• Disordered or dysfunctional breathing 

• Hyperventilation syndrome - also known as over-breathing syndrome

• Anxiety and panic-related breathlessness

• Sleep disturbance and fatigue

• Stress-related muscle tension

• Voice or performance breathing challenges

Benefits You May Notice

• Easier, calmer breathing

• Reduced muscle tension and pain

• Fewer headaches and dizziness

• Improved exercise and speech performance

• Enhanced focus, sleep, and emotional balance

• Greater confidence and resilience under stress

Why It Works

The BradCliff Method integrates the science of respiratory physiology with practical movement retraining.
By improving diaphragm function and restoring balance to the autonomic nervous system, the method reduces the “fight or flight” drive that often fuels disordered breathing and tension.

It’s a clinically validated, holistic approach — blending physiotherapy, mindfulness, and movement science to help you breathe, move, and feel better.

What to Expect 

Each Bradcliff program is individual, a typical session will include:

• One-on-one assessment with a qualified BradCliff-trained physiotherapist

• Gentle, hands-on guidance and feedback

• Personalised breathing and mobility exercises

• Education and home practice plan

• Reassessment and progress tracking over time

Sessions can be tailored for rehabilitation, performance, or general wellbeing.

Ask us about the BradCliff Treatment Protocol

Safety and Evidence

The BradCliff Breathing Method is based on decades of clinical research and application in physiotherapy and respiratory rehabilitation.
It is safe, non-invasive, and suitable for all ages.
For medical or respiratory conditions, the method complements — but does not replace — medical care.