Long COVID and Physical Therapy
Long COVID is a medical condition which is not yet well understood, owing in part to the fact that it has only existed since the onset of the pandemic itself, so there has been little time to study it effectively. That being said, medical professionals are largely in agreement in saying that it is a collection of syndromes which can show up in quite a few ways on an affected patient. Even after a patient has fully recovered from having the virus, Long COVID can trouble them for four weeks, eight weeks, and in some extreme cases, 12 weeks of longer.
One of the most common manifestations of Long COVID causes extreme fatigue after exertion, loss of muscle strength, various pains, difficulty concentrating, increased heart rate, dizziness, sleeping difficulties, anxiety, depression, and unexplained breathlessness. It is conjectured by scientists that many of these symptoms are due to widespread mitochondrial hijacking which goes on inside the cells of the body. Mitochondria are the power plants of body cells, and when Long COVID ‘hijacks’ them, it uses them to power its own activities, leaving the patient feeling drained and fatigued.
Physical therapy for COVID
There has been considerable debate over exactly what kind of exercise or physical therapy for COVID a patient can safely undertake. At Wolke Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center in North Haledon, NJ, we recognize how important it is to not over-extend a patient with activity when he/she is bothered by Long COVID. That’s why we take steps to ensure that any physical therapy for COVID you participate in is within your comfort range, and is something you are able to do while recovering from the virus. Just as with traditional chiropractic treatment, we realize that every patient is different, and every treatment program must be fully customized to the individual.
We are able to monitor your vital signs during therapy, so as to ensure that you are not having any adverse reactions to the therapy, and that you remain within the limits of your capabilities. It is important that exercise and activity be continued while recovering from Long COVID, so the body doesn’t become sluggish and out of shape. Any exercise you can be involved with will help increase your energy level, and make you feel better during the rehabilitation process. The important thing is that the therapy you receive is monitored and administered by professionals, so that you are never at risk for a dangerous reaction.
Contact Us
At Wolke Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center, we can of course also help you with chiropractic care if you are experiencing lower back pain, neck pain, or persistent headaches and migraines. Physical therapy for COVID is one of several other services we provide to members of the community who are in need of such services. Contact us today, so we can arrange for an initial consultation, and so we can establish a program of physical therapy for you which will help to get you past the lingering effects of COVID-19, and back on the road to recovery.
