The lasting legacy of the pandemic will be felt for years to come – and it’s certainly important to note that covid-19 is still very much a health concern that many will need to take into account, in much the same way that we need to worry about seasonal flu.
While most people with covid find that they feel better after a few days or weeks of their symptoms first appearing, with a full recovery usually seen within 12 weeks, other people may find that their symptoms last longer than this.
This is what is known as long covid, with the most common symptoms reported as being fatigue or extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, loss of smell and aching muscles.
You may also find that you experience symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, insomnia, chest pain, joint pain, pins and needles, tinnitus, memory problems and nausea, among other symptoms.
Depending on the severity of your illness and the resulting symptoms, you may find that it’s beneficial to see a physiotherapist to aid in your recovery. There are various exercises and breathing techniques that your physio can help you with that may provide you with relief and see you recover more quickly.
For example, the Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT) can help you remove phlegm from your lungs and make it easier for you to breathe, as well as preventing other chest infections and reducing your coughing fits.
ACBT are exercises that help you with breathing control, as well as deep breathing and huffing, done in a cycle to allow you to clear your chest. A physio will help you learn how to practise the techniques so you can do them effectively.
Improving your physical strength and function will also be key and a physio can help you with this as well. Exercises can be tailored to suit where you are in your recovery, including the likes of seated knee extensions, hip flexions and sit-to-stand practice.
If you’d like to find out more about this, get in touch with us today to book in with one of our Maidenhead physiotherapists.