Physical Therapy for PASC or “Long COVID-19”

Most people fully recover from COVID-19. For some survivors, though, symptoms of the disease may linger for many weeks or months beyond what is considered the “normal” timeline for recovery. These people have been called COVID “long-haulers,” which has led to “long COVID-19.” As research continues, the condition is now referred to as PASC, which stands for Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2.

Let’s break that down:

• Acute care is a critical treatment for an illness or condition. “Post-acute” refers to the phase after that and includes when someone returns home after being cared for in a hospital or rehabilitation center.

• Sequalae are the side effects or consequences of a previous disease or injury.

• SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19.

In simple terms, PASC refers to the lingering symptoms of COVID-19 that “long-haulers” are facing. Symptoms, and their severity, vary from person to person. Those symptoms include but are not limited to:

•  Fatigue or weakness.

• Fast or pounding heartbeat.

• Brain fog or memory issues.

• Headache.

• Muscle or joint pain.

• Poor endurance.

• Gastrointestinal symptoms.

• Anxiety or depression.

If you have symptoms of long-COVID-19, contact your primary care doctor. Long-COVID-19 may include other health complications that require labs, tests, or imaging before being referred to a physical therapist for an evaluation and treatment specific to your condition. In addition, exercise may not be appropriate for everyone living with Long COVID.

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can help COVID-19 long-haulers by treating the effects of PASC. Movement is essential to your recovery. Physical therapy aims to improve your strength, stamina, and quality of life through prescribed movement.

You can contact our office at (702) 840-1222 for an evaluation. Or, schedule an appointment online here.

Source: ChoosePT