As we navigate through this pandemic, we have learned that recovery from COVID-19 can pose a new set of challenges for both patients and healthcare providers. A subgroup of people who have “recovered” from COVID-19 will continue to experience symptoms that hang around well after testing negative for the virus. These patients have been referred to as “COVID long-haulers,” and can benefit from specialized care that includes physical therapy. In partnership with Mount Sinai Hospital, Dynamic Sports PT is now treating patients experiencing Post Acute COVID Syndrome (PACS).
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY?
The goal of physical therapy for those with PACS is to enable patients to increase their physical activity levels and exercise capacity. This is primarily accomplished by targeting strength, endurance, balance, and functional abilities with a wide scope of movement-based interventions. In addition, extra concern is given to each patient’s response to activity, particularly their respiration—or breathing—while performing these tasks. Therefore, patients’ oxygen saturation—which measures how well they are breathing—is monitored and regulated before, during, and after physical activity to ensure it does not exceed a certain level.
Our PACS rehabilitation protocol is exercise-based and consistent with evidence-based practices for similar conditions. In addition to monitoring respiration, we assess the following parameters during a patient’s first visit and at each subsequent appointment:
Once these baseline assessments are recorded, your physical therapist will design a personalized treatment program based on your specific symptoms, impairments, and goals. Programs vary from patient to patient, but in most cases the following interventions are used:
