Post COVID-19 Rehabilitation Program

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the world. 

A large number of COVID-19 survivors continue to suffer from impaired physical function, cognitive impairment, and mental health issues that affect their quality of life long after their initial recovery. 

Dubbed post-COVID syndrome, the after-effects of this respiratory disease often require rehabilitation before people can return to their normal daily activities or work.

JAG PT’s Post COVID-19 Rehabilitation Program is designed to address the unique needs of each patient and provides specialized multidisciplinary care for patients who are victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you’re seeking rehabilitation for post COVID-19 symptoms, you can find a JAG PT location near you, schedule an appointment, or contact our team today with any questions.

EARLY INTERVENTION IS IMPORTANT

OUR INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRAM CAN ASSIST PATIENTS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:

• Respiratory complications: airway clearance, breathing techniques, and restoring lung capacity
• Post-hospitalization issues from prolonged immobility
• Generalized weakness and impaired mobility
• Exacerbation of other medical diseases or conditions

Post COVID-19 Treatment

How can physical therapy help in your COVID-19 recovery?

People who have had COVID-19 may experience issues such as fatigue, difficulty breathing, weakness, reduced endurance, and balance problems.

Here at JAG PT's COVID rehabilitation clinic, we take an individualized approach with our rehabilitation services because each person’s functional limitation is unique. We start with a thorough evaluation that includes monitoring your vitals, as well as activity tolerance, strength, flexibility, and balance testing.

From there, we will develop a custom physical therapy program designed to target and improve both mild and severe symptoms. This can include things like resistance training to improve muscle strength as well as balance training.

How long does it take to recover from COVID-19?

COVID rehabilitation can vary by patient, as post-COVID conditions can range from mild symptoms to severe disease. They can last anywhere from weeks to months, even up to a year. 

However, according to Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn from Mayo Clinic, most patients who undergo post-COVID-19 rehabilitation — even for severe symptoms — are recovering within roughly 6 to 12 weeks of the initial onset of their infection.

What can I do to help with post COVID-19 fatigue syndrome?

One of the best ways to treat COVID-19 fatigue is to undertake a rehabilitation program with a physical therapist who is experienced in dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome. 

While many suffering from fatigue today are experiencing it due to COVID-19, physical therapists have experience treating similar fatigue from other conditions, such as cancer and other serious illnesses.

Other routines you can incorporate into your management of COVID-19 fatigue include:

• Getting a good night’s sleep so your body can preserve energy
• Staying hydrated and eating foods that give your body energy
• Prioritizing your most important tasks and planning what you’re going to do ahead of time so you spend your limited energy on only the things you have to do
• Trying to stay active, as moving and light physical exercise can energize you

When can I start exercising after COVID-19?

There is no set answer for this as returning to pre-pandemic and pre-illness activities after surviving a severe illness like COVID-19 takes patience and planning. JAG PT’s Post COVID-19 Recovery program is designed to ensure your gradual and safe return to physical activity.

More About Post-COVID Syndrome

Is it possible to have lingering symptoms of COVID-19?

Yes, people can struggle with the symptoms of COVID-19 long after their recovery. Although most get better and return to daily life within a few weeks of their initial illness, some suffer any number of post-COVID conditions that affect respiratory function, immune function, heart function and more.

These post-COVID conditions include a wide range of ongoing, returning, and even new problems that people can experience more than four weeks after they were first infected. Post-COVID conditions can be mild but may include a number of debilitating symptoms.

What are the symptoms of post-COVID syndrome?

Post-COVID syndrome can affect COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized or admitted to an intensive care unit for medical care due to severe symptoms, as well as those who had mild symptoms that they managed at home.

Common symptoms that people experience after recovering from a coronavirus infection include but are not limited to:

• Decreased energy
• Fatigue
• Difficulty performing or focusing on daily tasks
• Muscle weakness in major muscle areas such as arms and legs
• Body aches
• Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath
• Difficulty with physical functioning like swallowing
• Problems with balance
• Worsening memory
• Problems focusing (brain fog)

What are some of the potential long-term effects of COVID-19?

Commonly referred to as “long COVID”, post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) tends to affect older people and those with a variety of pre-existing medical conditions. However, young and otherwise healthy post-COVID-19 patients may experience PASC symptoms as well.

Long-term effects of COVID-19 include but are not limited to:

• Organ damage, including lung, heart, kidney, and brain damage such as pulmonary disease, chronic kidney impairment, cardiovascular diseases
• Increased risk of strokes
• Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome
• Other chronic illness
• Blood clots
• Weakened blood vessels
• Mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

How long do post-COVID conditions last?

There is no definitive answer to this question yet. But the CDC and health experts from around the world are constantly working on learning more about both the short- and long-term health effects related to COVID-19, why people get them, and who is prone to them.

People can experience these symptoms four or more weeks after they were initially infected. In some cases, these conditions last for months and require rehabilitation with a medical or physical therapy professional.

What exercises and treatments are available for post-COVID-19 recovery?

Physical exercise and treatments for post-COVID syndrome can include potential rehabilitation and physical therapy with a custom program designed to address your specific issues. 

You may require medication to manage more severe post-COVID-19 conditions. You may also be able to rehabilitate at home or with your physical therapist by doing light exercise, breathing exercises, and other techniques to regain your health and strength.

Make an Appointment With Our COVID Rehab Therapists Today

Start your treatment plan with JAG Physical Therapy as soon as you can for the best results for your health and improved quality of life.

Find one of over 100 locations near you, book an appointment now, or contact our team with any questions you may have.