Long COVID is a disorder that can be developed after a COVID infection with continued and prolonged symptoms. According to the CDC, 1 in 13 adults in the U.S. has long COVID symptoms after first contracting the virus. Long COVID can cause symptoms lasting months including feeling out of breath, weakness, fatigue, and exercise intolerance. Other symptoms can include brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, depression and anxiety.
Long COVID can last weeks, months or even years and symptoms can significantly impact daily function. A collaborative team approach for diagnosing and treating long COVID is recommended because patients need a combination of therapies in order to resolve the underlying issues causing their symptoms. The care team may include primary care provider, specialists such as neurologists, cardiologists, psychologists and rehabilitation professionals (occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists).
Working within a team approach, physical and occupational therapists (OTs) can provide individualized treatments to improve cardiovascular endurance and breathing function, reduce fatigue, improve sleep and lessen depression and anxiety.
Recent studies suggest that physical therapy focusing on vestibular, vision, and neurocognitive interventions typically used for patients with post-concussion syndrome are also effective for helping people recover from long COVID.
Occupational therapy can also help patients to develop strategies to improve memory, reduce stress, modify daily activities and change lifestyle to support successful management of long COVID symptoms through the recovery process.
Interested in learning more about the therapy team at Engage Therapy & Wellness in can help with long COVID symptoms? Please contact us at info@brainbodybetter.com or 315-810-2423 with any questions.