Bradcliff Breathing Method® Level 3
Advanced Course Concepts
This online course builds on the foundation of the BradCliff Method Level 1 and Level 2 courses.
Advanced assessment and treatment approaches are explored, with a particular focus on complex clinical presentations, emerging research and the interactions between breathing pattern disorders (BPD) and other body systems.
The course expands the clinician's understanding of autonomic, structural, neurological, psychological, abdominal, pelvic and hormonal influences on breathing. It also explores rehabilitation in complex medical conditions and critically examines emerging and unconventional breathing therapies.
Through specialist lectures, clinical case discussions and mentoring, participants will develop greater confidence in managing complex breathing pattern disorders and integrating advanced treatment strategies into their clinical practice.
Seven Weeks of Learning
Week 1: Autonomic Interactions – POTS, Dysautonomia and CPET
Explore the complex relationship between breathing pattern disorders and autonomic nervous system disorders, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and dysautonomia. Develop a greater understanding of autonomic assessment, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), exercise intolerance and advanced rehabilitation approaches for patients with autonomic dysfunction.
Week 2: Structural Interactions – EDS, Scoliosis, Pectus Excavatum, Neck, Thoracic and Low Back Rehabilitation
Examine the interactions between breathing pattern disorders, musculoskeletal conditions and structural abnormalities. Topics include Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), scoliosis, pectus excavatum, and the role of breathing assessment and retraining within neck, thoracic and low back rehabilitation. Explore the relationship between respiratory mechanics, posture, spinal stability and movement dysfunction.
Week 3: Critical Care to Rehabilitation – ICU Rehabilitation, Cancer Rehabilitation, Phrenic Neuropathy and Evolving BPD Rehabilitation
Explore respiratory rehabilitation across the continuum of complex medical care, from the critically ill ICU patient through to longer-term recovery. Topics include ICU rehabilitation, cancer rehabilitation, phrenic neuropathy and evolving approaches to breathing pattern disorder (BPD) rehabilitation. Develop an understanding of assessment, treatment progression and rehabilitation strategies for patients with complex respiratory limitations.
Week 4: Neuro-Interoceptive Interactions – Anxiety, Trauma, HRV and Vagal TENS
Explore the interactions between breathing, the brain and the autonomic nervous system, with a focus on interoception, anxiety and trauma. Examine the clinical applications of heart rate variability (HRV), vagal transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and other approaches to autonomic regulation. Develop a greater understanding of how altered respiratory perception and neurophysiological processes influence breathing pattern disorders.
Week 5: Abdominal, Pelvic and Hormonal Interactions – Gut, Diet, Hormones and Pelvic Floor
Investigate the relationship between breathing pattern disorders and the gastrointestinal, pelvic and endocrine systems. Topics include gut–brain–respiratory interactions, diet and nutrition, hormonal influences on breathing, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Explore how these interconnected systems may contribute to respiratory symptoms and how they can be incorporated into comprehensive assessment and rehabilitation.
Week 6: The Science of Unconventional Breathing – Intermittent Hypoxia, HBOT, Wim Hof, Holotropic and Conscious Connected Breathing
Critically explore the physiological mechanisms, emerging research and potential clinical applications of unconventional breathing interventions. Topics include intermittent hypoxia, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the Wim Hof Method, holotropic breathing and conscious connected breathing. Examine the effects of altered oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, autonomic responses and changes in respiratory physiology, alongside the evidence, limitations and safety considerations of these approaches.
Week 7: Case Mentoring, Problem Solving and Presentation
Consolidate your learning through clinical case presentations, interactive problem solving and mentoring with your peers and the team of expert lecturers. Explore challenging patient presentations, advanced clinical reasoning and the integration of different treatment approaches.
Optional follow-up mentoring with our expert lecturers will provide further opportunities for professional development and support in managing complex clinical cases.
Key Course Topics
- POTS, dysautonomia and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), scoliosis and pectus excavatum
- Neck, thoracic and low back rehabilitation
- ICU rehabilitation and cancer rehabilitation
- Phrenic neuropathy and evolving BPD rehabilitation
- Anxiety, trauma and neuro-interoceptive interactions
- Heart rate variability (HRV) and vagal TENS
- Gut health, diet, hormones and pelvic floor dysfunction
- Intermittent hypoxia and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
- Wim Hof Method, holotropic and conscious connected breathing
- Clinical case presentations, problem solving and expert mentoring
Prerequisite
BradCliff Method Level 1 Foundation Course and Level 2 Advanced Course.
Course Eligibility
This advanced online course is designed for physiotherapists, physical therapists and respiratory therapists who wish to extend their knowledge and clinical skills in managing complex breathing pattern disorders.
Other allied health professionals interested in attending are welcome to enquire about eligibility.
Registration Will Provide Participants With:
- Advanced clinical learning materials and supporting research.
- Practical assessment and treatment strategies for complex breathing pattern disorders and associated respiratory dysfunction.
- Access to specialist lecturers with expertise across a range of clinical disciplines.
- Interactive case discussions and opportunities for peer learning.
- Access to an international professional network of respiratory practitioners.
- In-course mentoring and optional follow-up clinical mentoring with expert lecturers.
Online Course Format
Seven weeks of online learning, including specialist presentations, clinical education, case discussions and interactive mentoring.
The course combines current scientific evidence with practical clinical applications, supporting clinicians to extend their treatment skills and confidence when managing complex breathing pattern disorders and associated breathing dysfunction.