The aims of physiotherapy in pleural effusion are;

To prevent disabling adhesions between two layers of pleura.

To obtain full expansion of the affected lung.

To increase ventilation of lungs

To increase exercise tolerance following immobility

Treatment must be modified to take into account any underlying condition. Following aspiration of effusion, breathing exercises should be given to encourage localised expansion of the affected side. The patient is encouraged to practice these exercises with the aid of a belt. Incentive spirometry is a very good mean to regain the reexpansion of the lung. Furthermore, the positioning for ventilation and positioning for postural drainage for the affected lung also help in reexpansion of the lung. Continuous positive airy way pressure is also used in atelectasis to help in reexpansion of the lung.

If the patient has difficulty in localizing the expansion, it may be helpful to lie on the unaffected side over a firm pillow to help stretch affected side. Breathing exercises may be practised in this position several times a day. When the patient has regained full lung expansion, the treatment programme should be expanded to include mobilisation of the patient and to increase exercise tolerance.

Some malignants effusions may require a pleuridesis- insertion of a powder such as tetracycline into the pleural cavity.