During COVID-19, physical therapy remains essential

As winter approaches so do warnings of an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, so some people may hesitate when it comes to seeking physical therapy. But it is more important than ever to take care of your health and to avoid situations that might compromise your immune system and your strength.

The wellness and safety of our patients and employees is our top priority, so we continue to monitor the situation through the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and our local health organizations.

Healthcare services, including physical therapy, are essential businesses. This means that FYZICAL Corpus Christi remains open and available to patients with physical therapy and balance needs.

What makes physical therapy essential?

Did you know that movement and exercise are good for your immune system? While quarantine may make it easy to sit around the house, physical therapy helps you get up and move. This may reduce your risk of disease and improve your overall quality of life.

A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to musculoskeletal balance disorders and fall risk, a common cause of hospitalization among older individuals. By helping people get stronger and more active, physical therapy can keep you away from hospitals which decreases the caseload of other healthcare professionals so that they can help others and limits your possible exposure to the coronavirus.

Most famously, of course, physical therapy is helpful for patients recovering from surgery or for people wanting to avoid surgery. It can help reduce complications and keep more people out of emergency rooms, physician offices, and hospitals.

Physical therapists can also treat patients whose surgery has been delayed, especially as hospitals cope with an increase in COVID-19 patients. Physical therapy while waiting for surgery can prevent regression and worsening of their condition, helping individuals maintain quality of life even in the middle of disruptions.

The impact of COVID-19 and isolation on physical inactivity and the risk for falls

As the world contends with the long term effects of COVID-19 on emotional and physical wellbeing, Americans can learn by example from other countries whose first cases occurred weeks and months before the U.S. For instance, in Australia in June, about two months after their “first wave” had passed, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) reported that falls due to COVID-19 inactivity and isolation were up 30%.

The APA notes that “While well meaning, infection control measures taken by aged care providers have had the reverse effect of accelerating physical, mental, and emotional decline in many cases. The lack of activity and exercise will have significantly impacted . . . their mobility, strength and balance, and their cognitive and mental health.”

The cost of falls in the U.S. in 2020 was estimated to be $68 billion—if a similar 30% increase in falls occurs in the U.S. as a result of being sedentary during the coronavirus pandemic, it is possible the U.S. could spend $88 billion on falls this year.

With the U.S. economy already strained, and many Americans devastated both physically and mentally from COVID-19, fall prevention is even more important now than ever.

FYZICAL remains essential and available

If you have ever suffered from acute back pain, orthopedic injuries, or dizziness, you understand how essential physical therapy can be! Because of this, FYZICAL now offers three easy PT options:

• In the clinic: As part of the healthcare infrastructure, we have a responsibility to remain available to our patients as much as possible.
• Via telehealth: Our Virtual Physical Therapy sessions can help you get the relief you need from the comfort of your home via phone or live video.
• In your home: Some patients who must stay at home still need a hands-on approach to physical therapy and pain relief, so we provide in-home therapy in these cases.

We want you to feel safe and comfortable when you visit us, so you can continue to improve your health and wellness through consistent treatments as outlined in your individual plan of care. To that end, we’re making sure that our employees have the information they need to stay healthy or stay home if they aren’t feeling well. Some simple tips from the CDC that we encourage all to follow include:

• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Staying home when sick.
• Covering the mouth and nose with the inside of the elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Can you visit a FYZICAL clinic during the coronavirus outbreak?

Many hospitals and clinics have canceled or rescheduled non-emergency appointments to help free up resources for COVID-19 patients, but the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has encouraged physical therapists to remain available to patients.

Therapists assess each patient to determine their needs and how to reduce exposure. FYZICAL has also intensified our cleaning and disinfecting procedures, while following CDC guidance.

If you still have in-person PT appointments, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself and others from exposure to the coronavirus:

• Wear a mask on your way to and during your PT visit.
• Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands before each treatment, after handling paperwork or pens, after touching any surfaces or therapy equipment, and upon leaving our facility.
• Stay home for 2 weeks if you recently traveled overseas or had contact with someone with COVID-19.
• Make an appointment with your primary care physician and reschedule your PT appointment if you have a fever, cough, or trouble breathing.

Remember, FYZICAL Corpus Christi is here to help you LYL (Love Your Life®).

References:

“APTA Statement on Patient Care and Practice Management During COVID-19 Outbreak.” American Physical Therapy Association, https://www.apta.org/patient-care/public-health-population-care/coronavirus/statement-on-patient-care-and-practice-management-during-covid-19

“Coronavirus (COVID-19).” Australian Physiotherapy Association, https://australian.physio/covid19

“Coronavirus (COVID-19).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html