Happy New Year and Welcome Back!
This month we are jumping into long COVID and figuring out what is going on with this emerging diagnosis and illness.
The impact of COVID-19 doesn’t always end after the initial infection clears. For many, the journey to recovery can be long and challenging, with symptoms lingering for weeks or even months.
This condition, known as Long Covid, is now affecting a significant number of people worldwide. If you’re one of them, or you know someone who is, you’re not alone. The good news is that Physiotherapy can play a vital role in helping you get back on track.
What is Long Covid?
Long Covid, or Post-Covid Syndrome, refers to a set of symptoms that persist for at least 12 weeks after the initial COVID-19 infection. Even if the virus is no longer detectable, these lingering symptoms can affect your daily life. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as a condition where individuals experience ongoing health issues that cannot be explained by other causes.
Common Symptoms of Long Covid
The symptoms of Long Covid are broad and can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Cognitive difficulties (brain fog)
- Headaches and dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
- Heart palpitations
It’s important to remember that these symptoms can come and go, and their severity can fluctuate, making recovery feel unpredictable.
Current Treatment Options
There’s still much to learn about the best ways to treat Long Covid, but a multidisciplinary approach has proven effective. This may include:
- Medical care to address specific symptoms like chest pain or breathing issues.
- Physiotherapy to incorporate breathing exercises and graded exercise programs that start at a level appropriate for you and slowly increase as you build stamina.
- Psychological support for mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression.
- Graded exercise therapy to help rebuild strength and endurance.
- Nutritional advice for boosting energy levels and overall health.
For many, Physiotherapy is an essential part of this recovery process. It offers tailored, evidence-based treatments that focus on physical rehabilitation, helping to restore mobility, build strength, and improve overall quality of life.
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Long Covid
Physiotherapists are experts in restoring physical function, and they can help you recover from Long Covid in several ways:
- Breathing exercises: Many Long Covid sufferers experience shortness of breath. Physiotherapists can teach you exercises to improve lung capacity, making it easier to breathe and feel less fatigued.
- Graded exercise programs: Starting slowly, physiotherapists will guide you through low-impact exercises that increase in intensity over time. This gradual approach helps rebuild strength and endurance without overwhelming your body.
- Strengthening and stretching: Long Covid often causes muscle weakness. A tailored strength training program can help restore muscle function, reduce pain, and combat fatigue.
- Fatigue management: Learning how to pace yourself is critical when dealing with chronic fatigue. Physiotherapists can help you manage daily activities so you don’t push yourself too hard, leading to better energy levels throughout the day.
- Balance and mobility training: Long Covid can affect your balance and coordination. Physiotherapists work with you to improve your posture, prevent falls, and increase mobility, so you can move with confidence again.
You Are Not Alone
Long Covid can feel isolating, but it’s important to remember that you’re not on this journey by yourself. Physiotherapists are here to help you recover, offering personalized treatment plans that focus on your unique needs and health goals. While recovery may take time, with the right support, improvement is possible.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the symptoms of Long Covid, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Together, we can work on a plan that will support your physical recovery and get you back to enjoying life, one step at a time.
Contact Us
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery or have questions about how Physiotherapy can help with Long Covid, get in touch with us at 604-861-3454 or [email protected]. We’re here to help guide you on your journey to better health!
