We are still learning so much about the transmission, symptomalogy, variants, containment, treatment, and best practices in healthcare. Many people who have been infected deal with long-term effects and symptoms, which collectively has been given the name of “Long-Covid”. This is now officially recognized by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Long-Covid often includes difficulties with cognition (“brain fog”) as well as limitations with physical endurance and capacity for activity. In fact, the top three symptoms reported by Long-Covid sufferers are fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and cognitive dysfunction. For many, Long-Covid can significantly affect their return to normal lifestyle interests due to the physical struggles. In addition, Long-Covid relates to decreased capacity to function at work, leading to increased sick days and even unemployment for some.
Did you know that Long-Covid symptoms can be addressed through physical therapy (PT), and that PT’s are well-equipped to help you work to restore your best function? A recent statement at the World Physiotherapy conference in London supported the role of PT’s in developing appropriate individualized exercise regimens “with special consideration for pacing to avoid Post-Exertional Symptom Exacerbation (PESE), cardiac impairment, and other breathing and cardiac issues”.
If you are one of the many Long-Covid sufferers, please consider PT as a component in helping you restore your fullest function.
-- Brooks Aberg, DPT, OCS