Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients with lung cancer are a critical issue affecting postoperative recovery and prognosis. In recent years, with the advancement of perioperative management concepts and the development of interdisciplinary collaboration models for lung cancer patients, physiotherapy intervention strategies centered on breathing training, airway clearance, early mobilization, and exercise training have played an important role in reducing PPCs, promoting functional recovery, and lowering hospital readmission rates. This review summarizes recent advances in physiotherapy intervention strategies for PPCs in lung cancer patients. Starting from risk factor identification and the evolution of risk prediction models, it outlines the applications of core techniques including breathing training, airway clearance, and exercise training. Furthermore, it comprehensively discusses innovations in delivery modes, interdisciplinary collaboration, digital rehabilitation based on physiotherapy techniques, and the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Additionally, it explores new directions such as artificial intelligence empowerment, precision rehabilitation, and patient-clinician co-management, aiming to provide a reference for constructing and implementing a clinical system centered on physiotherapy for the prevention and management of PPCs after lung cancer surgery.
