Recover from COVID with the Help of MVPT
COVID has drastically changed our lives. If you are fortunate, the virus had little to no effect on your health, aside from the pains of a dramatic shift in your lifestyle. However, many people diagnosed with COVID are still suffering its impact weeks or months following the diagnosis. One survey found that up to 1/3 of patients diagnosed with COVID report “lingering symptoms a median of 6 months after infection onset.” Patients who report ongoing symptoms long after their diagnosis are referred to as “long-haulers.” Our innovative care strategies at MVPT will help you find quick relief.
While it may be too early to make any broad conclusions about long-haulers, here are a couple things we know for sure:
- A significant number of COVID patients report symptoms many months after the initial onset of their illness.
- Symptoms affect multiple systems of their body.
Common PACS symptoms vary greatly with reported long-term symptoms that include:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Joint pain
- Chest pain
- Brain fog, including an inability to concentrate and impaired memory
- Loss of taste and/or smell
- Sleep issues
How can physical therapy help COVID patients return to function?
Extended hospitalization or medical procedures can result in a loss of strength, stamina, and function. Physical therapy following surgery, or an extended hospitalization is a normal part of recovery for many patients. In fact, numerous medical studies have now reinforced the role that physical therapy plays in addressing the loss of function following COVID,
The Mayo Clinic reports that the deconditioning many patients experience after weeks in a hospital bed impacts their recovery. As a result, they also have an increased risk of developing a new condition or reinjuring themselves. In turn, this puts patients at risk for readmission to the hospital. Working with a physical therapist is one of the best ways that patients can improve their recovery and reduce the chance of readmission to the hospital. Even for people who may have experienced mild symptoms, it can take a while to feel like yourself again. A patient with severe symptoms could be stuck at home, or bed-ridden for weeks as they recover. Physical therapists possess the necessary skills and knowledge to improve the lives of patients during this recovery process.
The Experts from Mount Sinai Hospital Trained our Teams
Mount Sinai Hospital was in the forefront of landmark COVID-19 care in the early days of the pandemic. To provide our patients with the most medically relevant rehabilitation programs, we worked with the Mount Sinai Center for Post-COVID Care to train our teams. Our MVPT teams are now providing care to support PACS patients by utilizing the Mount Sinai program model. The PACS program is developed based on a multidisciplinary approach to aid COVID patients in their physical recover. Physical therapy is identified as a critical component!
- Patients experiencing functional impacts of PAC, and unable to return to their desired level of function, can benefit from the supervised 1:1 care.
- For patients struggling to return to their desired functional level, physical therapy can help address deficits such as:
- navigating stairs.
- daily activities of living.
- recreational tasks.
- work-related activities.
Each individuals program is tailored to their needs and speed of their recovery. The services provided during care may include:
- Balance and falls assessment
- Exercises and telehealth therapy techniques to improve muscle function and range of motion
- Treatment of joint stiffness and mobility
- Aerobic exercise education and monitoring
- Walking assessment to improve and normalize pattern and ensure safety with community ambulation
- Education on current physical and functional level with respect to future goals and safe progression
- Strengthening exercises
- Ergonomic work positioning for ability to return to work
- Postural assessment and evaluation
- Neurological screening and treatment
Care When & Where You Need It!
MVPT offers many care options as part of the PACS rehabilitation program. Options include care delivered in our clinics, through telehealth sessions, or a combination of in-clinic and telehealth. These choices empower patients to receive care without the obstacles of our existing COVID environment.
The COVID pandemic has caused a significant disruption to our lives. As a result, it has also made it difficult to keep up our normal work, social, and exercise routines. Returning to normal is far more challenging for long-haulers recovering from PACS. The activities that they might normally rely on to relieve stress (such as exercise) are difficult now. The fifth most commonly reported symptoms for long-haulers was an “inability to exercise or be active” according to a NY Times survey.
Our Team is Here for You
Our team is here to help give you the tools needed to a return to an active lifestyle. Above all, your one-on-one sessions will help you regain function, improve stamina, and guide you to keep your forward momentum going on your road to improved health.
Together, we will help you return to the activities you love. Don’t delay your care, call MVPT Physical Therapy today or click here to request an appointment!
Tags: Post Acute COVID Syndrome, Recovery, long hauler, Health, wellness, COVID Recovery
