Since the start of the pandemic, the number of cases of COVID has at times reached truly alarming levels. Although the vast majority of those infected passed over mildly or asymptomatically, no small number of patients were strongly affected by the virus. The effects did not always end with the passing of the disease, and a large proportion of these patients later complained of marked breathing difficulties. It is therefore not surprising that some of them became interested in the offer of many treatment centres, which is rehabilitation after COVID. What is important to know about the proposed methods for dealing with the aftermath of the virus?
What does rehabilitation after COVID involve?
As a rule, the biggest problem resulting from the passage of an infection is a reduction in lung capacity. This is why most rehabilitation exercises are based on increasing lung capacity and strengthening respiratory muscle strength. It is also important to reactivate the breathing pathways and increase the mobility of the diaphragm. These activities have their origin in the consequences of COVID, which include frequent shortness of breath, problems with gas exchange in the body, and a marked reduction in activity during the day. Rehabilitation after COVID aims to remedy these symptoms, increase a person's activity in daily life and avoid relapses. It is worth noting at this point that the reason for deciding to undergo rehabilitation may be due to notorious fatigue, cardiac arrhythmias, impaired motor coordination and other conditions occurring in patients who have undergone COVID.
Rehabilitation after COVID - indications
In which situations is it particularly worthwhile to rely on breathing exercises implemented as part of rehabilitation? Among the main indications are:
- breathing difficulties, frequent shortness of breath, chronic inability to catch one's breath,
- marked reduction in quality of life due to severe lung failure,
- reduced functional capacity due to a history of respiratory disease,
- frequent hospitalisations, medical appointments,
- exacerbation of symptoms.
Many experts also add psychosocial problems, resulting from infection.
Contraindications to pocovid rehabilitation
There are specific reasons why rehabilitation after COVID is not advisable. These include chronic diseases (especially in exacerbation), metastatic cancer, cardiac anaemia or stroke. Other contraindications include:
- undergoing surgical procedures,
- substance and drug dependence affecting rehabilitation,
- mental disorders,
- lack of independence,
- severe pulmonary hypertension,
- congestive heart failure,
- haemoptysis and recent haemorrhages.
Rehabilitation after COVID - what are the effects?
The extraordinary popularity of rehabilitation after COVID is also linked to the fact that, depending on the methods used, real positive effects improving quality of life can be observed. Among the most important can be mentioned:
- pain reduction appearing when breathing,
- increased tidal volume of the lungs,
- clearing the airways.
To this can also be added the effective prevention of the development of viral and bacterial infections and the improvement of overall physical fitness.
