I have had a recent increase in the number of patients with long Covid. Symptoms varying from breathing difficulties but also patients suffering from loss of strength, heavy arms, tight chest, dizziness/balance issues and the inability to get back to their normal fitness levels.
The journey back to fitness after such illness can be somewhat daunting.
What I have found highly beneficial is to construct a bespoke program for every individual patient including:
- Supervised rehab program
- Strength and conditioning
- Stretch and mobility exercises
- Advice on pacing (the dosing of exercise throughout the day to maintain an even level of activity that is achievable)
About Long Covid
Long Covid has been recently defined by WHO as a syndrome affecting individuals who experience Covid-19 symptoms that last at least two months. It is estimated that 1 in 40 people who have had Covid-19 in the UK presents at least one symptom after 3 months.
Long Covid rehabilitation is complex, as we are still learning about the condition and what is effective against it. We do know that rehabilitation needs to be tailored to individual needs, and that activity needs to be approached with great care to avoid worsening symptoms.
Many people with long Covid are not breathing correctly. They may be breathing too fast, which can alter carbon dioxide levels in your blood, or using the top of the chest, which uses more energy than it should.
This can give some unpleasant ailments such as:
- being unable to take a deep breath in
- shortness of breath
- yawning often
- headaches
- chest pain
- brain fog
- dizziness
If you breathe incorrectly, your body is often encouraged to be in a state of fight and flight. This can cause palpitations, abdominal problems, fatigue, muscle aches and sleeplessness, eventually causing anxiety, making you breathe even worse and end up as a vicious cycle.
How does Respiratory Physiotherapy work?
You will be gently introduced to different breathing exercises and techniques, learn how to breathe correctly and receive advice and guidelines to practice at home.
Respiratory physiotherapy can also help people who have asthma and find that their breathing is getting worse, bronchiectasis or other causes of mucus production, to be able to clear your chest as effectively as possible.
Exercise has been used for many years for patients who have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and other lung diseases and struggle with breathlessness.
By learning to exercise in a safe and controlled environment with the proper education, the feeling of breathlessness can be eased.
Along with breathing difficulties I have had experience with many patients suffering from loss of strength, heavy arms, tight chest, dizziness/balance issues and the inability to get back to their normal fitness levels.
How I can help…
I can work with you to treat Long Covid with a specialised rehabilitation program here at the clinic. In our initial assessment you will be able to discuss any concerns and ask any questions you might have. I will then assess your breathing and teach you how to breathe at rest when speaking and walking.
The Physiotherapy program will be planned based on your individual needs to avoid over-exertion and relapses.
For further information or to book contact us.