Long COVID

Long COVID or post-COVID syndrome are unpleasant pathological symptoms that occur after a coronavirus infection and persist for more than 12 weeks. Even though post-COVID syndrome is a new, poorly understood phenomenon in therapeutic practice, this term has been adopted by WHO and included in the ICD-10.

Unpleasant signs of Long COVID are experienced by about 15-25% of people who have had a coronavirus infection. In most cases, unpleasant clinical symptoms persist for three to six months.

The main symptoms of the post-COVID syndrome are increased weakness, discomfort or pressure in the chest, headaches, pain in the joints and muscles, sleep disorders, depression, memory, and attention impairment.

Reasons for the development of Long COVID

Post-COVID syndrome is directly related to a viral infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. According to the World Health Organization, recovery from a mild pathology occurs within two weeks, with severe COVID-19, and clinical recovery occurs after one to two months.

But certain clinical signs persist much longer in some cases, while the coronavirus test is negative. Scientists associate the development of Long COVID with residual inflammation in the lungs and the long-term latent persistence of the virus in the body.

Risk factors include:

• patients over the age of 55;
• severe course of COVID-19, prolonged stay under a ventilator;
• chronic pathological processes (diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, and others).

Rehabilitation for Post-COVID syndrome

Long COVID has a somewhat negative impact on the quality of human life, which is why Kliniken Schmieder is developing new effective rehabilitation methods to eliminate the negative consequences of coronavirus infection and restore the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. All procedures aim to strengthen the body and stop the manifestation of symptoms.

Our specialists use a wide range of rehabilitation procedures, while the rehabilitation treatment program is developed separately for each patient after a comprehensive examination.

The basis of rehabilitation for Long COVID is:

• Drug treatment – combined agents (a combination of magnesium and B vitamins) and sedatives are used to eliminate neurological symptoms. Beta-blockers and anticoagulants are prescribed in case of cardiovascular system violations. Vitamin complexes are prescribed as well.
• Therapeutic gymnastics is developed according to the patient’s capabilities, and dosed physical and breathing exercises are used.
• Physiotherapy is one of the leading methods of the rehabilitation period. The procedures help to improve blood circulation, eliminate residual effects in the lungs, improve the condition of muscles and joints, and strengthen the body. As part of physiotherapy, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, acupuncture, inhalation, etc., are used.
• Working with a psychologist or psychotherapist helps the patient cope with anxiety and stress and switches the patient’s attention to more positive thoughts.
• Therapeutic massage and soft manual techniques – the procedure strengthens the immune system, promotes regenerative processes, strengthens the chest muscles, and normalizes blood circulation and lymph flow.
• A balanced diet and lifestyle correction – eating food rich in nutrients and trace elements is vital, as normalizing night sleep and avoiding stressful situations if possible.

Kliniken Schmieder has all the necessary resources for quality rehabilitation and patient condition monitoring. If necessary, specialists of related specialties are involved, such as cardiologists or neuropathologists.

We have a comprehensive post-COVID-19 rehabilitation program; you can read more about it here.