Rehabilitation Can Help After COVID-19

Campbell County Health Rehabilitation Services has developed a formal program to help patients suffering from “Long COVID”. As many as one in ten people who have had COVID-19 will have symptoms of a multi-system disease called “Long COVID” lasting up to 12 weeks or longer. Long COVID can affect people who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 or those who have recovered at home. People who have experienced either mild or severe COVID-19 can go on to have prolonged symptoms or develop Long COVID, even when they were previously fit and healthy.

There are over 200 documented symptoms of Long COVID, but the most common ones are:

• Extreme exhaustion (fatigue)

• Post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE)

• Problems with concentration and memory (brain fog)

The most common symptom of Long COVID is fatigue; a feeling of extreme exhaustion that is not easily relieved by rest or sleep, is not the result of an usually difficult activity, can limit functioning in day-to-day activities and negatively impact quality of life.

Post-exertional symptom exacerbation, or PESE, is a disabling and often delayed exhaustion that is disproportionate to the effort made. It is sometimes described as a “crash”. It can be brought on by something that was easy to do before; a daily activity such as showering, walking, reading, writing or working at a desk, or being somewhere with loud music or flashing lights.

A formal rehabilitation program for post-COVID patients guided by physical therapist can help monitor and improve Long COVID symptoms with consistency, encouragement and motivation.

The Post-COVID Recovery program is tailored to each patient’s needs, with individualized care plans and a team of professionals to help patients regain their strength to perform daily functions safely, with the support of other patients facing similar challenges and symptoms. Patients are taught to use proven breathing techniques and know their heart rate and oxygen saturation levels. Understanding what can trigger symptoms and teaching pacing as an activity management tool can help improve symptoms and lessen them over time.

Therapy sessions are typically 45-60 minutes, and are scheduled two to four times per week, depending on how well patients do with their therapy program.

A physician’s order is not required, but it is recommended so that the patient’s healthcare team is overseeing their care and managing their recovery. Payors, such as insurance companies may vary on their requirements.

Talk to your provider about Post-COVID Recovery at CCH Rehab Services, or call 688-8000 to learn more.