Are you struggling from on-going symptoms from Covid-19 infection?
You are not alone. At least one in ten individuals who have had Covid-19 are having symptoms beyond 5 weeks. This may include:
Physiotherapy can help you manage some of these symptoms through breathing specific exercises to combat breathlessness, pacing strategies to manage fatigue and advice/advocacy to sort out other issues. It is important that you are supported and believed - something we feel strongly about. It is also important that we recognize signs of Post Viral Fatigue and Post Exertional Malaise and adapt our strategies accordingly. We know exercise is effective in managing a number of chronic disease, may not be the answer in addressing Long COVID. It is essential that we recognize the warning signs.
- extreme fatigue
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- racing heart
- sore throat/burning airways
- brain fog
Physiotherapy can help you manage some of these symptoms through breathing specific exercises to combat breathlessness, pacing strategies to manage fatigue and advice/advocacy to sort out other issues. It is important that you are supported and believed - something we feel strongly about. It is also important that we recognize signs of Post Viral Fatigue and Post Exertional Malaise and adapt our strategies accordingly. We know exercise is effective in managing a number of chronic disease, may not be the answer in addressing Long COVID. It is essential that we recognize the warning signs.
We at Breathe Well Physio are staying on top of the latest news, research and patient advocacy groups in order to help you manage your symptoms. This is a new disease and we don't have all of the answers, but we are here to support you. We are able to reach any individual in Alberta and British Columbia currently, using telehealth technology. Feel free to reach out if you are struggling.
Long COVID Connect, formerly known as BREATHE, is an innovative program to help individuals manage the many symptoms of Long COVID. It is a 10-week, group based virtual program of education and self-management for individuals living with Long COVID. The aim of the program is to improve participants’ overall function and management of debilitating symptoms due to COVID.
The content delivered is based on clinical experience, best available evidence for the management of specific symptoms (chronic fatigue, post-exertional malaise, breathing discomfort, sleep disruption) in other conditions, including post-viral syndromes, and the current understanding and recommendations for rehabilitation of people living with long COVID. The program is facilitated by two physiotherapists: one with knowledge on managing Long COVID, and one with lived experience of Long COVID. Each week, participants will watch pre-recorded lectures on topics relevant to symptoms, function, and management of activities of daily living (ADL’s). Once per week, there will be a live Zoom discussion on content and problem-solving/application of strategies. We discuss managing activities of daily living as well as help participants monitor their symptoms, and when appropriate, seek out further testing. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, which contributes to the social support component of the program. The BREATHE program is NOT an exercise based program, but rather an education/self-management program based on principles of symptom stability.
Topics covered by the program include:
Sessions are conducted via Zoom; all participants will have a 30 minute pre-screening video session with a physiotherapist prior to the start of the program. Interested participants are asked to call Synaptic at 403-984-4909.
If you would like to donate to the program, please visit https://www.synaptichealth.ca/ . Under "Support Us," choose "Donate." Please add in the comments the donation is for BREATHE so funds can be directed accordingly.
The content delivered is based on clinical experience, best available evidence for the management of specific symptoms (chronic fatigue, post-exertional malaise, breathing discomfort, sleep disruption) in other conditions, including post-viral syndromes, and the current understanding and recommendations for rehabilitation of people living with long COVID. The program is facilitated by two physiotherapists: one with knowledge on managing Long COVID, and one with lived experience of Long COVID. Each week, participants will watch pre-recorded lectures on topics relevant to symptoms, function, and management of activities of daily living (ADL’s). Once per week, there will be a live Zoom discussion on content and problem-solving/application of strategies. We discuss managing activities of daily living as well as help participants monitor their symptoms, and when appropriate, seek out further testing. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, which contributes to the social support component of the program. The BREATHE program is NOT an exercise based program, but rather an education/self-management program based on principles of symptom stability.
Topics covered by the program include:
- Fatigue management
- Breathlessness
- Dysautonomia management
- Other diagnoses that may happen with Long COVID
- Sleep/relaxation
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Self-advocacy
- Adapting to disability
Sessions are conducted via Zoom; all participants will have a 30 minute pre-screening video session with a physiotherapist prior to the start of the program. Interested participants are asked to call Synaptic at 403-984-4909.
If you would like to donate to the program, please visit https://www.synaptichealth.ca/ . Under "Support Us," choose "Donate." Please add in the comments the donation is for BREATHE so funds can be directed accordingly.
Long Covid Resources
Support Groups
https://www.wearebodypolitic.com/covid19
https://www.facebook.com/groups/920314451799658/
https://longcovid.physio/
https://www.longcovidkids.org/
Resources
https://physio-pedia.com/Long_COVID
https://www.thebreathingpt.co.uk/post/managing-long-covid-a-respiratory-physiotherapist-s-perspective
www.physiotherapyforbpd.org.uk/
https://www.longcovid.org/resources
https://www.physiosforme.com/covid-19