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ABOUT US
ABOUT US

ENERGY & CONFIDENCE

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719-387-8389
respiras-pulmonary-careNew Hope Ahead

Better Breathing & Autonomic Regulation

 

Transformational Physiology

What Makes Us Different

Oxygen Delivery

Healing begins when oxygen actually reaches your cells. When oxygen delivery improves, energy rises, clarity returns, and the body begins to heal itself from within.

Blood Circulation

Your breath drives your circulation.
We retrain the patterns that restrict blood flow and stress the cardiovascular system, helping your heart and lungs work together with ease.

Mitochondrial Health

Your energy begins at the cellular level. We support the conditions that allow mitochondria to use oxygen efficiently, helping the body produce clean, lasting energy that supports healing, focus, and resilience.

Roberto Ricci, OTR, MS

BREATHING IS THE ULTIMATE SELF-CARE


"Breathing dysfunction and stress encoded in the nervous system are often dismissed, yet they quietly disrupt oxygen delivery, healing capacity, and overall function. Correcting these patterns are not optional; it is foundational to restoring health, increasing stress resilience, and preventing disease." 

Our office:
719-387-8389 Email:
info@respiras.com
 

The Founder’s Story

Stress is not meant to be managed forever. It is meant to be adapted to. I have seen firsthand how stress and poor breathing can quietly erode health, relationships, performance, and quality of life. Stress can impair the body's innate healing potential, creating loss of independence, loss of opportunity, and, most importantly, loss of hope.  

Respiras was created for individuals who value health and its role in shaping life potential. Respiras is an education and an investment, as well as a space for reflection, discovery, and collaboration. Together, we retrain breathing using physiological data to help you regain control of your body and build the skills needed to support long-term health. Respiras represents capacity, adaptation, and true recovery, an expression of new physiology that supports the life and opportunities ahead of you. 

 

Profile

  • Masters degree in Applied Breathing Science
  • Advanced training in respiratory biofeedback and autonomic regulation
  • Over 15 years of clinical experience in stress physiology and rehabilitation
  • Specialized expertise in pulmonary, neurological, and cardiovascular integration

 

 

Professional affiliations

 

Background & Expertise 

Roberto Ricci, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist who specializes in the treatment of respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, and stress-related disorders. His focus is on addressing cumulative stress patterns that create dysfunction and disease, specific to nervous system imbalance and dysfunctional breathing. Roberto completed his undergraduate training in Occupational Therapy at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He later earned a Master of Science in Applied Breathing Science with distinction from the  Graduate School of Behavioral Health Sciences in 2014.

Roberto has served as a consultant and educator for the U.S. Army, where he trained soldiers on respiratory efficiency strategies for adaptation to combat-related stress and PTSD. His work emphasizes measurable interventions targetting respiratory-psychophysiological resilience and stress adaptation through CO2 regulation.

Roberto has presented at various national and international symposiums and continues to contribute to the advancement of breathing science in clinical settings. He is the founder of Respiras, an respiratory-based occupational therapy practice recognized for its dedication to applied breathing science for health promotion and disease prevention. 

 

Areas of Practice

Breathing Problems

Sleep Disorders

Pain Syndromes

Dysautonomia

Cognition

CO2 Depletion

Wellness & Prevention

low oxygen

 

 

Our Values

 
 

Hope

We believe every person has the capacity to heal, adapt, and thrive. Hope is the foundation of transformation.

Transparency

We communicate with clarity, honesty, and zero exaggeration. We are committed to integrity, and we partner with individuals who value their health and are ready for meaningful change.

Partnership

We take time to listen, explain your options, and collaborate with mutual respect. Partnership means adapting to your needs and guiding you toward the outcomes that matter most to you.

Autonomy

Health freedom means you have a voice in your care. You are informed and empowered to choose the therapies and strategies that align with your needs, goals, and values.

Compassion

You are met with kindness, empathy, and understanding. Every step of your journey is respected, and we acknowledge your needs and specfic goals.

Resilience

We strive to increase your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual capacity so you can handle everyday life with greater ease, confidence, and endurance.

Selected Client

We work with individuals who value their health, are motivated to participate, and are committed to meaningful change. Alignment ensures the best results and a true partnership in your progress.

 

chronic Stress Overload

Chronic stress overload is a state of sustained autonomic dysregulation, where the fight-or-flight state predominates and parasympathetic (rest and relaxation) tone is suppressed. Over time, this leads to maladaptive physiological changes. In clinical practice, this often manifests as persistent symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, sleep disturbances, pain syndromes, and cognitive impairment.

 

 

Understanding

Complex cases are typically difficult to manage conventionally because no source of organic pathology is found in the patient. Because stress affects every orgam system, patients often present with overlapping persistent symptoms, maiking it difficult to isolate a clear cause without a unifying framework like autonomic nervous system imbalance. Roberto understands this dilemma and has dedicated his career to solving complex cases where disordered breathing and stress overload are identified and corrected.

Validation

At Respiras, we understand that living with complex and unresolved health issues can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming. We take the time to listen, acknowledge, and validate each patient's unique experience, ensuring they feel heard and supported. We believe every individual deserves respect, empathy, and a path forward toward better health and well-being.

 the stress-breathing connection

Unexplained Symptoms?

Patients experiencing unexplained symptoms and a multitude of mysterious illness are often misunderstood and marginalized.  There is limited awareness of maladaptive physiology, which alters the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance and disrupts the normal efficiency of oxygen in the body and potentially leading to dysfunction and disease. 

Stress, trauma, disordered breathing, and lifestyle patterns disrupt the natural breathing patterns.  Physiology should be examined quantitatively alongside the stress "shell shock" encoded in the autonomic nervous system. This type of stress is often imperceptible, can aggravate existing conditions and cause chronic illness.

Just because a patient has a complex problem doesn't mean the patient is complicated. Time, dedication, interest, communication, and in-depth analysis are key components of creating long-lasting solutions for better breathing to support health.

 COMMON TRAITS

  • Extensive medical history without answers.
  • Lab tests and imaging are normal.
  • Recurrent vague overlapping symptoms continue.
  • Patient is not responding well to medications.
  • Treatment is not yielding sustainable results. 

 SYMPTOMS DON'T FIT

  • Breathlessness.
  • Dizziness. 
  • Fatigue.
  • Anxiety.
  • Pain.
  • Brain fog.
  • Heart palpitations.
  • Insomnia.
  • Irritability. 
  • Gut issues. 
  • Unexplained tremors.
  • Disorientation. 

 

Respiras specializes in the subtle, silent patterns of chronic hyperventilation symptoms and stress-related "shell shock" encoded in the body.  These hidden dysfunctions often go undetected by conventional assessments and cannot be resolved with talk therapy, injections, exercises, invasive procedures, or more medications.

 

Respiras is not designed to alter consciousness. Respiras is a clinical system to improve respiratory health for individuals who are looking to optimize function, stress adaptation, and resilience. 

 

 Healing

Breathing supports healing by improving oxygen delivery, balancing the nervous system, and regulating pH through  proper cabon dioxide levels.  Proper breathing enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, and activates the body's natural repair processes. 

Our Client

We serve individuals experiencing symptoms commonly associated with dysfunctional breathing and autonomic dysregulation, including shortness of breath, fatigue, anxiety, orthostatic intolerance, sleep disturbances, palpitations, pain syndromes, and cognitive complaints.  These patients frequently exhibit signs of dysfunctional breathing patterns, CO2 dysregulation, and autonomic imbalance.

Our services are most appropriate for teenagers and adults seeking non-pharmacological interventions that target physiological mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders. 

 

Transformation

Driven individuals who prioritize health know that staying active, focused, and productive requires the right kind of support and care. 

 

We cater exclusively to this driven community, delivering true intrinsic value that aligns with their vision for a healthier, more fulfilled life. 

 

Our Mission

Health Promotion

Your health supports everything. We help you protect it.

Skills In Respiratory Health

 

  • Image Alt Text: Roberto Ricci, founder of Respiras, expert in breathing therapy and holistic healing
Roberto Ricci Founder Respiras

THE BODY IS WIRED FOR HEALING

"Breathing dysfunction and stress encoded in the nervous system can disrupt every area of life. When we restore healthy physiology, the body remembers how to heal, regulate, and protect itself again. I am committed to helping my patients heal, restore function, and regain confidence in their health."

 Roberto Ricci, MS, OTR

Occupational Therapist | Founder of Respiras

 

The Founder’s Story

Hi, and thank you for your interest in Respiras. If you are here, you are searching for answers.

Breathing has always fascinated me. It is the only system in the body that can influence every other system at once. This can become a problem when stress and dysfunction take over, but it can also be a remarkable advantage. When guided with awareness and precision, breathing becomes an instrument that can rewire the body and mind to heal naturally through the body’s own intelligence.

I believe the body is designed to heal. I am not afraid to sound different for saying so. Some have told me that helping people become independent is not the best business model, but that is exactly what I strive for. My goal is not to keep you in therapy; it is to help you move forward, confident and free.

Health is not only about managing disease. It is about nurturing joy, energy, gratitude, and hope for the future. I believe we can create new stories of success by rediscovering how powerful your physiology truly is and how it is designed to heal itself.

My office is a space for reflection, discovery, collaboration, and infinite possibilities. Together, we explore new ways to help you improve how you function, achieve your goals, and regain confidence in your body’s potential. Sometimes you simply need encouragement and a gentle push to help you see what is possible beyond the obstacles in front of you.

I am never in a rush. I want to understand your situation and see how we can resolve your concerns. This approach may seem atypical, and it is rare because we live in a world driven by productivity, quotas, and margins. Not here. I practice with the intent to understand, heal, and restore.

Our one-on-one encounters support a holistic approach dedicated to you. The energy that unfolds in this work fuels new ideas, creativity, and imagination. It is within that space of presence and connection that healing and restoration begin to unfold.

Breathing is the most stabilizing and transformative force we have. I have never been more certain of anything in my professional life. So lift your chin, take a breath, and come in to share your story.

 

Profile

  • Masters degree in Applied Breathing Science
  • Advanced training in respiratory biofeedback and autonomic regulation
  • Over 15 years of clinical experience in stress physiology and rehabilitation
  • Specialized expertise in pulmonary, neurological, and cardiovascular integration

 

 

 

Background & Expertise 

Roberto Ricci, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist who specializes in the treatment of respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, and stress-related disorders. His focus is on addressing cumulative stress patterns that create dysfunction and disease, specific to nervous system imbalance and dysfunctional breathing. Roberto completed his undergraduate training in Occupational Therapy at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He later earned a Master of Science in Applied Breathing Science with distinction from the  Graduate School of Behavioral Health Sciences in 2014.

Roberto has served as a consultant and educator for the U.S. Army, where he trained soldiers on respiratory efficiency strategies for adaptation to combat-related stress and PTSD. His work emphasizes measurable interventions targetting respiratory-psychophysiological resilience and stress adaptation through CO2 regulation.

Roberto has presented at various national and international symposiums and continues to contribute to the advancement of breathing science in clinical settings. He is the founder of Respiras, an respiratory-based occupational therapy practice recognized for its dedication to applied breathing science for health promotion and disease prevention. 

 

 

 

Areas of Practice

Breathing Problems

Sleep Disorders

Pain Syndromes

Dysautonomia

Cognition

CO2 Depletion

Wellness & Prevention

 

Who We Are Not

We are not affiliated with any online breathing method, Buteyko breathing, square breathing, or short-term workshops. Our practice does not endorse hyperventilation techniques, deep breathing exercises, altered nostril breathing, rapid forced breathing, breath-holding strategies, or cold water immersion.

Unlike practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep trance practices, our  approach is grounded in scientific, evidence-based respiratory therapy, focusing on functional breathing rehabilitation rather than breath manipulation to alter consciousness.  

At Respiras, we prioritize individualized care, addressing both acute and chronic medical conditions with clinically proven rehabilitation strategies. Our therapy model follows  established medical and rehabilitation standards, ensuring safe effective treatment to improve respiratory health.   

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Since 2009, we’ve helped people restore and protect their health.

15

Years of experience

Physiology-focused care for recovery, resilience, and performance.

Recovery From Lyme's

Recovery From Lyme's

"I have rediscovered the joy of living without chronic fatigue, exhaustion, mental fog, anxiety, and stress. Thank you, Roberto, for giving me back my health, energy, and happiness!

Pat O

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Our Location

Contact Us

Our Location
Sisters Grove Pavilion
6011 East Woodmen Road
Suite 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Mountain Standard Time
(719) 387-8389
Our fax number
(888) 391-5189
Toll free number
(800) 667-1798
HEART PALPITATIONS

HEART PALPITATIONS

"I would highly recommend Roberto as someone who will find the root of the issue of what is going on and invest in providing real improvement and return to health. It has been life changing. I am so grateful!"

Laura A.

Success Stories

Testimonials