We take our health for granted when all is working well. This includes breathing. But when things do go wrong it is very distressing. Respiratory physiotherapy is a well-recognised treatment highly respected throughout the world of medicine. It is a specialist area of physiotherapy dealing with treatment of all breathing problems.

Breathing problems can arise from your airways or lung tissue, with the pattern of breathing or with the structures around your lungs. Anxiety can cause us to over-breathe; it can become a habit and, in some cases, lead to panic attacks. Too much phlegm can also be distressing and lead to regular chest infections and lung damage. Worry about breathlessness can cause you to reduce or stop activity altogether, leading to a deconditioning spiral.

My service will provide you with a speedy appointment time and venue to suit you in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere to put you at ease. This will immediately help your breathlessness. I will give you the time you need for careful explanation about your condition, give you specific exercises to follow and advise you on how to take control of your condition.

I am happy to see you in the comfort of your own home, at a local clinic or via a video-call with follow-up written advice and exercise prescription by post or email.

I am based in Horley, Surrey and believe I am the only independent specialist respiratory physiotherapist in the local area. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Riddell

I am a Chartered Physiotherapist and registered with the Health & Care Professions Council. Qualifying in 1986 I have spent over 30 years specialising in adult respiratory care.

Physiotherapy is a great profession with exposure to a whole range of health conditions in hospitals and the community.

I left the NHS after 24 years of service and since 2011 have enjoyed working independently, with flexibility and less time constraints.

I also have a keen interest in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and acquired brain injuries and how these affect breathing.

Conditions Treated

• Breathing pattern disorders (hyperventilation)
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• COPD
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Pulmonary Fibrosis

Treatments

• Guidance on post Covid-19 recovery
• Breathing exercises
• Pulmonary rehabilitation (exercise education)
• Chest clearance techniques & postural drainage
• Advice on the use of devices to improve breathing muscle strength or help to clear phlegm

Google Reviews

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Sue has been fantastic with my boyfriend really helped him get through with his breathing problems as a whole we can’t thank Sue enough plus travelled to Purley to see him.

Chloe, 2025

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Sue has been extremely helpful on assisting me catch a good breathing pattern back, having seen other doctors I felt as if I was not being taken seriously enough but Sue did I feel as if I’m getting somewhere. Thanks again

Ryen, 2025

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After just over a year of intermittent breathlessness and air hunger (Post Covid and Anxiety) I realised it was time to seek out some specialised help. After feeling pretty dismissed by many GP's, it was a breath of fresh air (pardon the pun) to meet with Sue. She was very knowledgable and took her time to explain the physiological processes of breathing and hyperventilation. She listened to my experience, thoroughly examined the presentation of my symptoms, and then took her time to walk me through the exercises I can use to alleviate my symptoms - making sure I could try these out myself.

I left feeling hopeful, for the first time in a very long time.

I couldn't recommend Sue more, her work and expertise is invaluable..

Megan, 2023

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Sue came highly recommended by my respiratory consultant. She was very professional, thoughtful and considered and I'd highly recommend her.

Mo C, 2021

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I have seen and spoken with Sue a number of times this year and she is a knowledgeable, empathetic and professional therapist. She takes time to listen to any concerns or queries and goes out of her way to help. I suffer with asthma and even though my GP surgery are helpful, it's difficult to get across all my concerns and queries at a 10 minute appointment - and that's where Sue has proved invaluable. I have no hesitation in recommending her.

Anne H, 2021

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