Long Covid Treatment
FYZICAL® Therapy & Balance Centers is a physical therapy business that specializes in the assessment and treatment of patients struggling with unrelenting Long Covid symptoms. We have been very successful in developing and implementing a physical therapy treatment for patients of physicians and health care professionals who are concerned about finding treatment that gives their patients relief.
At the heart or our approach to physical therapy is the depth and breadth of our intake and outgoing inquiry into the whole person. We are continually innovating: our program is unique and continually evolving.
Our Dizziness, Balance and Conditioning Treatment
- Stimulating the Vagus nerve using a unique, non-invasive treatment developed by the Center for Pain & Stress Research Ltd., Toronto, Canada. 100 % of our patients experiencing symptoms post-COVID and post-COVID Vaccine Injury have reported symptom relief.
- Thoroughly evaluating and treating the vestibular/balance systems by using customized testing to identify the systems causing symptoms followed by a proprietary Somatosensory Reweighting (SSRW) exercise protocol developed by FYZICAL.
- Addressing commonly associated problems such as decreased balance, fatigue, decreased strength, decreased cardiovascular function as well as decreased muscular endurance, allowing the patient to return to their pre-COVID lifestyle without symptoms.
*For more information, please call 651-501-2010. We invite you to visit us at FYZICAL Woodbury.
The following additional information provides additional information
Long Covid Symptoms
Symptoms of Long Covid can include fatigue, dizziness, body aches, difficulty concentrating, headache, and difficulty sleeping. The symptoms be debilitating for those affected by it, especially when all the other symptoms from COVID have resolved. If you have been struggling with symptoms after COVID-19, keep reading to learn how FYZICAL Woodbury can help.
What Is Long Covid?
“Long Covid” is the term for any long-term health issues that persist for weeks or even months after first getting COVID-19. In some cases, Long Covid symptoms may only start appearing weeks after getting the virus, or may dissipate and re-emerge with time. Long Covid is a complex condition that affects each person differently, but can happen to anyone who has been infected by the COVID-19 virus.
People with Long Covid symptoms may have generalized symptoms during everyday activities like walking, or may experience other symptoms like headaches and disequilibrium. Long Covid symptoms can be debilitating and affect quality of life.
What Causes Long Covid symptoms?
The mechanism of Long Covid is not yet thoroughly understood. However, some reports suggest coronavirus causes an inflammatory reaction which can affect the vestibular system or nervous system. Other studies suggest the medications used to treat COVID-19 may have adverse side effects. Recent reports indicate 1 in 18 Minnesotans experience Long Covid symptoms after having Covid.
When Do Symptoms Of Long Covid Start?
Studies have estimated that up to 17% of people have experienced some type lingering symptom from COVID-19. Dizziness from COVID-19 can start from the time of the initial infection, before the onset of COVID, or may even develop weeks after getting the infection. In some cases, the symptoms may be mild to begin with but develop over time as the body continues to deal with the longer-term effects of COVID.
What Is The Difference Between Long Covid And Other Types Of Dizziness?
Long Covid dizziness may present similarly to other forms of dizziness, such as migraines or other neurological illnesses. Therefore, it’s important to get any symptoms of dizziness assessed by an experienced health professional. Our physical therapists at FYZICAL Woodbury specialize in the assessment and treatment of patients struggling with unrelenting dizziness following COVID.
Can Long Covid Dizziness Get Better?
Dizziness can be a side effect of COVID-19, and in most cases will resolve quite quickly. However, the prognosis of Long Covid dizziness is much less simple to predict. Reports suggest cases of Long Covid dizziness can improve with time, particularly with input from a vestibular physical therapist. Research is continuing to understand how COVID affects each individual.
Long Covid
The symptoms associated with Long Covid are vast and varied. While some people may only experience one of these symptoms, others may experience a mix of different symptoms. The common signs of symptoms of Long Covid can include:
- Generalized dizziness
- Vertigo, or feeling like the room is spinning
- Disequilibrium, or a feeling of unsteadiness
- Presyncope
- Light-headedness
- Imbalance, especially when standing, walking, or changing positions
- Difficulty walking in a straight line
- Fatigue, sometimes referred to as “brain fog”
- Struggling with everyday activities
- Headaches
- Hearing changes
- Visual changes
- Nausea or vomiting
Diagnosing Long Covid Dizziness
From working with a wide variety of patients in Woodbury, we understand that every patient is different. Our physical therapists therefore use a holistic approach to assess and diagnose each individual based on their dizziness symptoms. Before beginning any treatment, our physical therapists examine the relevant medical history, specific goals, and the symptoms the person may be experiencing.
Problems with the vestibular system is one of the most common causes of dizziness. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear, and is the main system for balance and equilibrium. It helps to sense movement and tells the brain where the body is in space. The vestibular system consists of:
- The vestibular apparatus – a small organ in the inner ear that detects motion
- The nerves – that connect the vestibular apparatus to the brain
- The brain – which processes and makes sense of all the information coming from the vestibular apparatus via the nerves
Our Woodbury physical therapists use specialized tests and techniques to assess if one or more of these are causing the symptoms of dizziness. Our evaluation also includes screening for conditions that may also cause dizziness or balance disturbances, such as BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular neuritis, vestibular hypofunction, migraine, concussion, and other health issues that affect the blood pressure, heart rate, or brain. From this assessment, we can make an accurate diagnosis, or we can refer to other medical professionals for further investigation as needed.
The relationship between the vestibular system, nerves, and the rest of the body is complex. Treatment is more effective when all the systems that contribute to dizziness are addressed collectively, rather than in isolation.
Treatment For Long Covid
Treatment for Long Covid depends on the severity, cause, and duration of symptoms. At FYZICAL Woodbury, we are continually innovating and evolving to align with the new developments in research.
Some of the common treatments we include in a customized plan of care may include:
Exercise: Exercise isn’t just about muscle strength. After COVID, many systems in the body may be deconditioned – including the cardiovascular, neurological, and pulmonary systems. Our Woodbury physical therapists have a toolbox of exercises to target multiple parts of the body to optimize recovery, including the vestibular system, brain, and other systems.
Lifestyle modifications: Deconditioning after COVID can happen to anyone, no matter your age. Lifestyle modifications like making a schedule, moving hourly, and consistently practicing daily movements can have a large impact on symptom management.
Patient Education: The more clearly a condition is understood, the more effectively it can be combated. Effective communication is the key to a successful and efficient recovery. We take the time to fully explain why any symptoms are occurring, the reasoning behind treatment, and how to prevent recurrent symptoms from happening in the future.
Vestibular Rehabilitation: We offer a full range of physical therapy services in Woodbury, including vestibular retraining. The role of our physical therapists is to prescribe specific exercises and treatments that can target the systems affected by dizziness or imbalance. One of our treatments is our custom Dizziness, Balance, and Conditioning Treatment.
Our Dizziness, Balance And Conditioning Treatment
We now have a way to treat Long Covid symptoms with Deep Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS), using special equipment developed by the Center for Pain & Stress Research Ltd. (Toronto, Canada).
Deep Vagal Nerve Stimulation is a non-invasive treatment that can naturally counter COVID-19 complications by addressing the role of sympathetic stress activation in the disease process. At FYZICAL Woodbury, the treatment is used to enhance immunity and treat Long Covid and isolation.
The process includes thoroughly evaluating and treating the vestibular and balance systems by using customized testing to identify the systems causing dizziness. We follow a proprietary Somatosensory Reweighting (SSRW) exercise protocol developed by FYZICAL. By addressing commonly associated problems such as decreased balance, fatigue, decreased strength, decreased cardiovascular function as well as decreased muscular endurance, we help patients in Woodbury return to their pre-COVID lifestyle without dizziness. 100% of our patients experiencing dizziness post-COVID and post-COVID Vaccine Injury have reported dizziness symptom relief.
How FYZICAL Can Help Long Covid
FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is a physical therapy business that specializes in the assessment and treatment of patients struggling with Long Covid. We have been very successful in developing and implementing a physical therapy treatment for patients of physicians and health care professionals who are concerned about finding treatment that gives their patients relief.
At the heart of our approach to physical therapy is the depth and breadth of our intake and outgoing inquiry into the whole person. The FYZICAL treatment and recovery protocol includes cutting edge equipment that isn’t available anywhere else in the area.
Our skilled physical therapists consider the body as a whole and will create a program specifically tailored to your needs, so you can regain your life after Long Covid dizziness.
Talk To FYZICAL Woodbury About Your Symptoms
Long Covid can be an isolating experience. At FYZICAL Woodbury, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with the ongoing symptoms of COVID. Our compassionate team wants to help you get back to your normal daily life. We focus on individualized treatments to treat the whole you. Get in touch with one of our friendly physical therapists today!
CTA - We invite you to visit us at FYZICAL Woodbury. For more information, please call our FYZICAL Woodbury team on 651-501-2010.
References
Neuro PT. Long COVID and Dizziness. Available from: https://www.neuropt.org/docs/default-source/vsig-physician-fact-sheets/long-covid-and-dizziness-2022.pdf?sfvrsn=412a5c43_0.
Jafari, Z.; Kolb, B.; Mohajerani, M. (2022). Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, and Dizziness in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33843530/.
Sia, J. (2020). Dizziness can be an early sole clinical manifestation for COVID‐19 infection: A case report. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7404329/.
Cornerstone Physiotherapy. Long COVID and Dizziness. Available from: https://cornerstonephysio.com/resources/long-covid-dizziness/.
Little, C.; Cosetti, MK. (2021). A narrative review of pharmacologic treatments for COVID‐19: Safety Considerations and Ototoxicity. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33491234/.
Kaniusas, E. et al. (2020). Non-invasive Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Potential Treatment for Covid19-Originated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32848845/.