How PT Can Help Manage Long-Term COVID-19 Symptoms
As the vaccine combatting COVID-19 continues to be distributed, we await the days where we could potentially return to our normal world. Gathering in groups to eat at restaurants, attend sporting events and concerts, and go to work without masks. Until that day returns, we are still faced with the current pandemic as people you know or even yourself may have become infected with COVID-19. Some of the common symptoms include sore throat, cough, loss of taste and smell but COVID-19 has also been leaving individuals with long-lasting symptoms. We probably will not know the full long-term impacts of this virus until many years from now. However, there are many symptoms of the coronavirus present today, and it may surprise you to hear that physical therapy can help manage many of those.
How Physical Activity Can Help In Your Defense Against COVID-19
Remaining safe during a global pandemic is a top priority for most people, and many of us are now overly-familiar with the common practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These recommendations, including social distancing, hand hygiene, wearing masks and limiting the size of gatherings, are all mitigation techniques to assist in the defense of COVID-19. Yet another important aspect to consider in the fight against COVID-19 is the role that physical activity and metabolic health plays if you contract the virus.
The Link between COVID-19 and Dizziness
In 2020, you couldn’t turn on your television without being bombarded with reports of the Coronavirus or COVID-19. For many of us, the holidays looked a little different this year, whether wearing face masks or celebrating via Zoom or FaceTime. At this point, it’s possible you have either personally been diagnosed or have a loved one that has been affected by the virus. Since the first established COVID-19 case, the understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, screening guidelines and medical management of the virus have been ever-evolving.
Helping COVID-19 Patients Recover
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected most of us in some way. For those diagnosed with COVID-19, symptom presentation is variable. The range of potential symptoms continues to be updated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and can impact people differently, resulting in different outcomes. The aftermath of COVID-19 can lead to physical and mental impairments as well as fear and uncertainty about long-term recovery. For many, once they have recovered from the acute stage of the virus, symptoms may remain, including weakness, fatigue and mental fog.
Why It’s Safe to Attend Physical Therapy During COVID-19
Rewind to mid-March – businesses were closing, new health regulations were developed and there was a lot of uncertainty as to what was considered safe. COVID-19 created a lot of swift changes in society as the world has adapted to a new “normal.” Essential health care businesses were able to remain open to see patients and provide services to those who needed them. Primary care offices, emergency departments and physical therapy clinics kept their doors open and continue to help those in need. However, patients may still wonder if it is, “safe to receive medical care.”
Athletico has implemented a wide range of health screening measures, social distancing guidelines and cleaning procedures in order to ensure the safety of all patients who entered clinic doors.
Keeping Kids Active & Fit during COVID-19
COVID-19 has taken our kids out of school, halted sports and shut down parks. Working parents and caregivers have been challenged to juggle this new life as homeschoolers as well as coaches.
I live in Chicago with two boys – 6 and 2. If you live here, you understand that Chicago weather is inconsistent – 72 degrees one day and 52 degrees the next. Sunshine, then rain for two days straight. Needless to say, getting my boys outside can be challenging. My wife and I both work, so I know all too well how overwhelming this time can be for all of us. As a Fitness Specialist and Youth Exercise Specialist with Athletico Physical Therapy, I’ve used this time to find new and creative ways to keep my boys moving. Here are some tips to keep your kids active and healthy during the pandemic.
Athletico’s Healthcare Heroes
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our worlds upside down, striking us with fear and uncertainty. However, the Athletico team has continued to care for our patients, making a difference in their lives and throughout our communities.
While we recognize the entire Athletico team and their efforts to offer superior care during these challenging times, here are a few clinicians we’d like to highlight for their work in-clinic, in-home or via telehealth virtual visits.
