Q: Why does breathing matter in athletic performance?
A: Breathing isn’t just automatic—it directly impacts oxygen delivery, endurance, recovery, and focus. Athletes who rely on mouth breathing often fatigue faster, while those who train efficient nasal breathing can sustain energy longer, recover faster, and protect their airway.
Q: How does nasal breathing improve athletic performance?
A: Nasal breathing:
- Filters and humidifies air, protecting the lungs
- Releases nitric oxide, boosting oxygen delivery to muscles
- Improves core stability through diaphragm engagement
- Reduces lactic acid buildup for longer endurance
- Supports better focus and mental clarity
Q: What problems come from poor breathing patterns in athletes?
A: Dysfunctional breathing can lead to:
- Early fatigue and reduced stamina
- Mouth breathing during exertion → dry mouth, airway collapse risk
- TMJ strain and forward head posture
- Poor recovery due to inefficient oxygen exchange
- Increased injury risk from poor core stability
- Sleep disruption that limits muscle recovery
Q: How does therapy help athletes improve breathing?
A: At BreatheWorks, therapy supports performance by:
- Breathing retraining: Promoting efficient nasal breathing during rest and exertion
- Diaphragmatic drills: Strengthening core and improving endurance
- Oral rest posture training: Tongue-to-palate position for optimal airway
- Airway strengthening exercises: Reducing snoring and sleep-disordered breathing that limit recovery
- Posture and jaw alignment work: Supporting airflow and muscle balance
Q: Is this only for professional athletes?
A: No—therapy benefits athletes at all levels, from youth sports to recreational runners to elite competitors. Anyone relying on endurance, strength, or recovery can gain from optimized breathing.
Q: Can this therapy be done virtually?
A: Yes. Our telehealth sessions are just as effective as in-person training. Virtual care allows athletes to:
- Receive real-time breathing assessments
- Learn customized drills for practice at home or in the gym
- Track progress with speech and language therapist guidance
This flexibility makes therapy accessible for busy athletes nationwide.
Q: Where do you provide care?
A:
- In-person clinics: Portland, OR • Eugene, OR • Lake Oswego, OR • Bellevue, WA • Amarillo, TX
- Virtual therapy: Available nationwide
Quick FAQs
Can nasal breathing improve endurance? Yes—nasal breathing boosts oxygen delivery and delays fatigue.
Does breathing affect recovery? Yes—efficient breathing lowers stress hormones and improves sleep for faster recovery.
Can therapy help athletes with asthma or allergies? Yes—therapy complements medical care, retraining patterns to maximize airflow.
Do kids in sports benefit from breathing therapy? Yes—early training builds habits for better performance and long-term airway health.
Next Steps
Better breathing means better performance. Therapy can help athletes improve stamina, recovery, and resilience.
- Schedule a breathing evaluation (in-person or virtual)
- Providers & coaches: Refer an athlete to BreatheWorks
