November 2, 2022
While most adults who contract COVID-19 make a full recovery, as many as 3.2 million* Americans may have lingering effects of COVID-19; many of those can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as post-COVID conditions or long COVID. Long COVID conditions can include a wide range of ongoing health problems, but studies show there is damage not only to the lungs but to other organs, such as the brain and heart, and can last weeks, months or even longer.
Older adults with lingering side effects may need extra support. Since COVID affects everyone differently, long COVID rehab is individualized care for each person. Therapy aims to restore function to pre-COVID levels and promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves various techniques to improve your overall function in a safe environment. Physical therapy can help address muscle weakness to prevent future falls and improve your ability to sit, walk and stand. Your therapist can provide breathing techniques to optimize lung capacity and improve your overall endurance to allow you to do the things important to you. Therapists can also address lingering pain and develop an exercise program that promotes functional independence and programs to manage the stress and anxiety COVID may have left behind.
Occupational Therapy
The goal of occupational therapy is to restore the ability to perform activities of daily living and the ability to participate in your favorite activities. Your therapist will assess your cognition and physical wellness and develop an individualized care plan to address your specific needs, whether weakened muscles, brain fog, the need for adaptive equipment or training on energy conservation techniques.
Speech Therapy
Your speech therapist can address any respiratory and swallowing conditions lingering from long COVID and provide voice assessments and treatment options for improved communication after intubation. Speech therapy can also treat cognitive declines, evaluate mental health issues, and develop coping strategies related to communication of pain, depression and anxiety.
What to Look Forward To
When Aegis Therapies is involved with your recovery from long COVID, it can lead to improved function, cognition and overall quality of life.
*https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/07/treating-long-covid
Always consult with your physician prior to starting any new exercise regimen.
This document was created by Aegis Therapies, Inc. for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Due to the everchanging circumstances related to COVID-19, the information can change at any time and therefore, Aegis Therapies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of this information. If you have questions, you should conduct your own research.
Aegis Therapies welcomes all persons in need of its services and does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or source of payment. Interpreter Services are available at no cost. Please visit your local Aegis Therapies location for assistance. Servicios de interpretación están disponibles sin costo. Visite su sucursal local de Aegis Therapies para recibir asistencia. 我们提供免费传译服务。请探访您的本地Aegis Therapies地点以获得协助