What is Long COVID?
Long COVID is a syndrome that occurs in approximately 10-20% of people after COVID-19 infection. There are many associated symptoms such as fatigue, feeling unwell after exertion such as climbing stairs, dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, brain fog, inability to return to activities, increased stress, depression, and many more. One may find that it takes anywhere from 2 weeks up to 6 months to start to feel more normal again.
What does this Long-COVID Activity Rehab Program involve?
This program is a physiotherapy treatment. It involves a detailed assessment, where your program will be customized according to your goals, your symptoms, and your previous activity levels. You will progress through the program gradually, as backed up by the current 2022 guidelines.
How do I prepare?
Please bring workout clothes, indoor gym shoes, water, and any medication you may acutely require (insulin, fast-acting glucose, puffers).
I am afraid and am not sure if I am supposed to feel this way while I exercise.
Every precaution will be taken by a physiotherapist to guide you safely through exercise. Though the goal is to be able to carry through moderate activity levels, it will be through your perception of moderate activity, not heart rate. You will experience some shortness of breath while exercising, though you will be monitored for an acceptable and safe amount of shortness of breath. Please use these charts to self-monitor your exertion level:
The goal of RPE is 4-6. The goal of RPD is 3 or less while exercising.
