Post Covid Complications and Implications for Therapy
Background
Long COVID is defined as symptoms that continue 3 months from the initial onset of COVID-19 infection, symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.
Symptoms can fluctuate, but can include:
Extreme fatigue
Shortness of breath
Problems with memory and concentration
Joint/ muscle pain
Complications
Long COVID is still a new condition and therefore is not yet well understood. However it is known that symptoms can be severely disabling and can affect multiple body systems, not just the respiratory system. People living with Long COVID can often experience post-exertional symptom exacerbation, meaning they can have worsening of symptoms following minimal activity, which can significantly restrict function for a lengthy period of time.
What is the role of Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy can assist in:
Providing education regarding fatigue management, pacing and graded activity, to allow for safe and manageable participation in everyday life, within the means of one’s fatigue levels and symptoms.
Assessing and addressing impact on respiratory and other bodily systems to identify exercise tolerance.
Individualised prescription of physical activity and exercise, to optimise recovery and assist in returning to normal life.
References:
Long Covid Physio, 2022, Exercise, Long Covid Physio, https://longcovid.physio/exercise
World Health Organization 2021, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Post COVID-19 condition, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-post-covid-19-condition
World Physiotherapy 2021, World Physiotherapy Response to COVID-19 Briefing Paper 9. Safe rehabilitation approaches for people living with Long COVID: physical activity and exercise, World Physiotherapy, https://world.physio/sites/default/files/2021-07/Briefing-Paper-9-Long-Covid-FINAL-English-202107.pdf?logged_in=true