In regards to COVID, as a country, we have been uniquely focused on infection and survival rates. States and school districts have set up dashboards to help keep everyone informed as much as possible. News sources are still providing regular updates. Very little, however, is said about the quality of life that COVID patients have if they spent prolonged periods in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Did you know that around 70% of ICU patients that are released suffer from neuromuscular deficits and weakness? These are all symptoms of Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS).  PICS is described by the Cleveland Clinic, as a collection of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that continue to persist after a patient leaves the ICU.

Physical complications include impairments in: 

• Muscle strength
• Mobility
• Pulmonary function
• Pain 
• Gait speed
• Balance
• Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

As physical and occupational therapists, we are uniquely prepared to help patients who have required a hospital stay, admission to the ICU, and often ventilation during their COVID-19 treatment. 

What to Expect During Physical Therapy for Post Intensive Care Syndrome 

Patient interview screening questions for COVID will help your team identify yellow flags, which may indicate the patient is at risk for additional physical limitations, cognitive deficits, and biopsychosocial aftermath. Physical and occupational therapists can combat these issues by providing individualized treatments programs that may include: 

• A progressive strengthening exercise program 
• Functional activities/ADL training 
• ROM, flexibility exercises, manual therapy techniques 
• A graded aerobic conditioning program 
• Gait training program
• Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) including relaxation training, ADL pacing, sleep hygiene
• Neuromuscular re-education/proprioceptive training
• Patient education & aftercare wellness programs

Physical Therapy for Post Intensive Care Syndrome can help post-COVID patients get back into their daily routines and activities. Patients that have trouble or feel uncomfortable going into the clinic have the option to receive care virtually through Telehealth. As caregivers, the main goal is to help patients recover in the setting that best suits their needs. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our licensed physical therapists.

You were not meant to live in pain. As therapists, we spend our entire careers working to help the people in our communities feel better and get back to the things they enjoy most. We know that living through a pandemic and social distancing won’t take your pain away – that injuries will still happen. Knowing this, we have decided to stay open and provide a safe environment where patients can come and receive care. 

Physical and Occupational Therapy are Essential Services. 

We are here to assist in keeping people healthy; physical and occupational therapists are essential in flattening the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have and continue to play a key role in keeping patients out of physician offices and hospitals. Our goal is to not only free up medical teams needed to treat those impacted by COVID-19 but also limit the exposure of those seeking care for treatment that a physical or occupational therapist can provide. 

What Can I Do if I’m Not Comfortable Going In?

We understand that we are in unprecedented times, and leaving home can be uncomfortable. You may try instead to lessen the pain by putting weight on one side rather than the other, or perhaps changing the way you sit or stand to avoid further discomfort. These slight modifications bring temporary relief but could lead to bigger issues if left unattended.

Luckily we have been able to implement a Telehealth option for those that aren’t quite ready to come into the clinic. This gives patients the opportunity to spend time one-on-one with a licensed therapist. During these virtual visits, our therapists can provide many of the same skilled services we offer in the clinic including an assessment of the patient’s condition, patient education, and progression of exercises to help improve:

• Strength
• Range of Motion
• Posture
• Neuromuscular Control
• Patient Safety

What Precautions Are You Taking If I Decide to Visit In Person?

We are following all CDC and local guidelines to keep you safe. A detailed explanation of what we are doing can be found in our Your Health is Our Top Priority blog. 

Common Conditions We are Seeing Right Now

• Pre & Post Surgical Rehabilitation: If you have recently had surgery, or your surgery has been postponed, we can help to decrease pain and swelling while improving range of motion and strength.
• Low Back Pain and Sciatica
• Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation

If you are in pain, we are here to help. From in-clinic to at-home visits we will do everything we can to get you back on your feet.  We quite literally, have your back!

Self-isolation during the coronavirus pandemic has come as quite a shock to many of us – especially those who are used to a more active lifestyle. And while we are waiting for the day when we can safely return to life as we once knew it, let’s focus our efforts on staying active both physically and mentally even though we are stuck in our homes.

Here are eight tips to get you motivated and started:

1. Do some stretches

As your body is now moving less than it is used to (and probably less than it needs to), you need to find new ways to keep it active.
You can start by doing some morning and evening stretches. There are simple routines you can try even if you are not very fit that will get your blood flowing and prevent your muscles from getting stiff.

2. Get up every hour

Set a reminder on your phone to go off every hour, as a way to trigger yourself to get up. Whether you are in a chair or on the couch at the time, get up, walk around a bit, and move your arms and legs. Stretches will be fine here too, but you can also incorporate some light exercises. Even seniors can do a light cardio workout or lift some moderate weights if the doctor allows.

3. Do an online workout

Everyone seems to be streaming their workouts these days, so you’re bound to find something you like. There are Pilates workouts you can try, there’s yoga, there are ballet-inspired classes, but you can also just do some bodyweight work, do indoor walking, and so on.
Just make sure that the intensity and activity level of the workout you are choosing to watch matches your actual fitness levels.

4. Walk when it is safe

If you live in an area where you are still allowed to take walks, make sure you take advantage of this option. As little as 30 minutes of walking a day will suffice to keep you healthy.

Don’t neglect the rules of social distancing while you are outside – and remind yourself you need to prevent yourself from touching your face.

5. Read and write

Self-isolation is a great time to catch up on some reading – whether you have a novel on your bookshelf you can’t seem to get to or choose to download something to your Kindle, make sure you keep your mind engaged with a new read.

You can also add journaling to your routine, and spend a couple of minutes every day writing down your thoughts (with pen and paper). It doesn’t have to be anything in particular – just enjoy expressing your thoughts and feelings for the day.

6. Watch something you haven’t seen yet

Since all kinds of streaming services are now turning out to be our savior, make sure you use them to their fullest. But don’t just keep staring at a screen all day.

Set aside sometime each day (or each week) for watching a program, and don’t overdo it. You can focus on documentaries, old classics you haven’t seen yet, or the latest Netflix sensation. Your favorite feel-good movies are also a welcome distraction.

7. Try something new

Everyone online keeps telling you, you should learn a new skill, but this is not imperative. You can, however, try doing something you don’t usually do. This can be something as simple as a new recipe, brushing your teeth with the other hand, doing your hair differently, sleeping on the other side of the bed – anything that will be a new experience for your body or mind is a good choice.

8. Make plans for later

Even though you may not be able to go outside or travel, you can still mentally prepare and experience some of the things you will be doing once the danger lifts.

You can start jotting down the places you want to visit, things you want to buy and do, and do little mental walks to your favorite places. And don’t let these exercises make you feel bad because you don’t have access to them now. Focus on the feeling of joy they cause, and let yourself feel the pleasure.

While self-isolation is certainly not a pleasant experience, it is only ever as bad as you let it be. Focusing on the positives instead of the negatives will help you get through it easier – and sooner.