Many people fully recover from COVID-19 after a few weeks, but sometimes, patients experience long-term health problems from lingering symptoms. About 10% of those who have had the virus — even mild cases — may suffer from lasting symptoms and become long-haul patients.
The symptoms can become debilitating without proper treatment and wreak havoc on your body. Physical therapy helps patients recover faster from long-lasting covid symptoms and helps keep you mobile, regain your strength, and reduce associated pain.
Persistent Covid Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
The most common symptom is fatigue. When you’re chronically fatigued, your entire lifestyle may experience a change. It’s harder to get out of bed in the morning and go about your normal routine. Even small, less demanding physical activities are draining.
When persistent, this symptom of long-haul covid leads to a lack of motivation, concentration, and overall mobility. Other symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Sleep problems
- Headaches
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain
Movement Plays a Vital Role in Recovery for Covid Long-Haulers
Persistent symptoms may cause you to become inactive, leading to inherent muscle weakness, another big component of long-haul symptoms. Losing your physical strength, stamina, and mobility are common issues with covid that can pose serious health risks.
Deconditioning your body increases the risk of injury and joint pain from the resulting stiffness. A tailored physical therapy treatment plan will help you return to regular activity and provide you with the support you need to recover.
Your licensed therapist will create a treatment plan specific to your needs and symptoms that may include:
- Patient education
- Walking exercises
- Breathing exercises
- Respiratory therapy
- Strength training
- Low-intensity stretching
Luna Supports Long-Haul Healing With At-Home Physical Therapy
When coping with long-haul symptoms, even if you have recovered from the initial illness and symptoms return, it can be hard to get to a clinic for the treatment you need. Luna’s at-home physical therapy solutions offer you the ease, convenience, and comfort of therapy treatment right in your home. With covid cases remaining steady, at-home treatment is safer and protects you from new exposure to the virus.
If you or someone you know is suffering from lingering symptoms of COVID-19, talk to one of our Luna therapists to start your personalized, in-person treatment. Learn more about how you can recover faster and with fewer treatments than in a clinic.
