At this time, there’s little research on the treatment for long-covid. What we do know is there are many symptoms that people may experience secondary to long-covid:

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Malaise
  • Dizziness
  • And more

Research has shown that some individuals have a harder time regulating their oxygen intake after being diagnosed with covid [1]. As a result, they may experience an exacerbation of the symptoms mentioned above when they return to exercising. 

As physical therapists, we love to help our patients get stronger and return to their activities with minimal to no symptoms. However, when we treat people suffering from long-covid symptoms, we have to change gears. Therefore, it is recommended that you see a PT to help you return to your prior level of activity safely. 

Tips

Here are some tips on how to return back to exercise if you are experiencing long-covid symptoms. 

  1. Hydrate!! 
  2. Gradually increase activity. It’s a slow process! Sometimes you don’t feel symptoms until 24-72 hours after activity. 
  3. Practice diaphragmatic breathing. Regulating your breathing can help improve oxygen distribution as well as help decrease anxiety symptoms. 

If you are experiencing long-covid symptoms and would like guidance on how to return to your prior level of function, contact our team here at Set Physical Therapy! 

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