Recovery After COVID

Shanda McNew - PRO PT

COVID-19 cases are surging in our county and infected nearly 50 Prestonians each day in mid-September. The good news is that for many the symptoms will be mild and they will fully recover. But unfortunately, for as many as 10% of COVID survivors, symptoms of the disease will linger for many weeks or months beyond what is considered the “normal” timeline for recovery. “Long COVID” is unpredictable and the symptoms and their severity are highly variable from person to person, but evolving research shows full return to physical stamina and “normal life” may take up to 2 years.

The most common lasting symptoms include, but are not limited to, fatigue, weakness, body aches, muscle or joint pain, headache, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, trouble concentrating, poor endurance for activity or exercise, sleep disturbance, anxiety or depression, and brain fog or memory issues.

Discuss your long-COVID symptoms with your primary care doctor. Anytime a patient feels they are not ‘back to normal’ within two weeks after their symptoms subside, they likely could benefit from physical therapy. Weakness, deconditioning, and over-exertion are among the most common issues physical therapists address with people after COVID-19. We will ensure that you are exercising safely and within your tolerance. Pain and stiffness are common lingering effects and physical therapy hands-on manual techniques and modalities can help significantly.

Patients recovering from COVID-19 need help overcoming the physical and emotional challenges from the virus to get them back to the life they knew. Movement is essential to your recovery. The goal of physical therapy is to improve your strength, stamina, and quality of life through movement. Having a PT on your recovery team will help you get back to living the life you love - more active, healthier, and happier.