Long COVID Rehabilitation
What is long COVID
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a complex condition that affects individuals who have previously contracted COVID-19. While many people recover from the initial infection, some experience lingering and debilitating symptoms that can persist for weeks, months, or even longer. The precise number of people suffering from long COVID in Australia is difficult to pinpoint, however, data from UK and USA suggest that between 10-30% of people who contract COVID-19 may develop long COVID symptoms. Long COVID can affect anyone, although there are certain factors that my increase the likelihood of developing persistent symptoms such as severity of the initial COVID-19 infection, age and pre-existing health conditions.
Common signs and symptoms
Long COVID presents a wide range of symptoms that can significantly impact your daily life. Among the most prevalent are:
- Fatigue: Persistent and overwhelming feeling of tiredness, even after minimal exertion.
- Breathlessness: Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, even during light activities.
- Persistent Cough: Lingering cough, often associated with chest discomfort.
- Brain Fog: Cognitive difficulties, impacting your ability to think clearly, concentrate, and remember things.
- Muscle Aches: Pain and discomfort in your muscles that make movement and exercise challenging.
How we can help
At Heart & Lung Physio, we stay up to date with the latest research in long COVID and offer personalised programs that help you navigate the challenges of this condition. We ensure that you receive the support you need to regain your health and quality of life.
Comprehensive Assessment: We begin by conducting a thorough assessment to understand the extent of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. This helps us design a tailored treatment plan that focuses your individual needs and challenges.
Personalised Treatment: We employ a range of techniques to address the various symptoms of long COVID. Your program may include treatments such as breathing pattern retraining, fatigue management strategies and gentle exercise.
Gradual Progression: We understand that pacing is crucial during your recovery from long COVID as over-exertion may lead to a relapse of your symptoms. Our programs are designed to gradually progress as you regain strength, stamina, cognitive clarity, and relief from muscle aches, ensuring a safe and sustainable recovery process.
Continued Support: Coping with long COVID can be emotionally taxing. We provide necessary support and guidance to help you navigate the challenges and uncertainties that come with this condition. Recovery from long COVID can be slow and varies between individuals. We closely monitor your progress, making necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to ensure the best outcomes.