COVID-19 LONG-HAULERS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

The Long-Term Effects of Covid-19 Can Last Long Past A Negative Test. Physical Therapy Can Help.

As we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19 during this once-in-a-century pandemic, we have come to terms with the fact that some people will live with the effects of Covid-19 long past their negative tests. This condition is post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infections, or PASC, known to many as 'long Covid' or 'long haul Covid.'

For COVID long-haulers, persistent symptoms often include brain fog, fatigue, headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath, among others.

Long COVID is an umbrella term for various symptoms that are present four weeks to 1-year  after COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can affect one or more organ systems, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, neurologic, and psychiatric. Persistent symptoms might include shortness of breath, fatigue, poor endurance, joint pain, muscle pain, tingling, difficulty with daily activities, among others. Symptoms like these are where physical therapy and rehabilitation can help.

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP LONG-COVID PATIENTS?

Upon evaluation, your physical therapist should take a detailed medical history and inventory the symptoms you are feeling. Your physical therapist should then perform specific tests and measures based on the symptoms you report. These can include muscle strength tests, cardiovascular endurance, walking tolerance, breathing patterns, lung expansion, etc. Your physical therapist will then formulate a treatment plan based on your goals, symptoms, and test results based on your individual needs.

For example, treatment may include breathing exercises, strengthening respiratory muscles, endurance training, learning energy conservation techniques, and muscle strengthening throughout the body.

At ZK Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, you can rest assured that your one-on-one treatment will be monitored using a multitude of tools. Including measuring blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, rate of perceived exertion, and more.

Are you or someone you know is living with symptoms of long-Covid? Physical therapy will be an essential part of your medical team and an integral part of your recovery. For more information on how ZKORC can help, read about our recovery therapy program here. Click here to schedule a free telephone consultation with our Doctor of Physical Therapy.