COVID-19

Can physical therapists treat Covid?

No, PTs do not treat Covid itself but PTs CAN help with the after-effects of Covid.

How do physical therapists know how to do this stuff if Covid is so new?

Issues like joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, fast heart rate, and shortness of breath are all things physical therapists can address and have been addressing for quite a while. If someone has a particularly hard time with Covid and ends up stuck in a hospital bed for a long time, especially the ICU, they’re likely going to lose some strength or muscle mass. PTs can also help with safely building that strength back up, which is really rewarding for them and you!

With that said, I also need to point out that healthcare workers, PTs included, are figuring out some of this stuff as they go. Sometimes, patients who have had Covid will have different capabilities or limitations not typically experienced by other patients. They don’t know everything, but they ARE figuring it out so they can help you in any way that they can.

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What if I’m having an especially hard time breathing?

First, remember that the information I’m giving you is not a substitute for being seen by your doctor. But I do want you to know what kinds of options are out there so you can talk to your primary care provider about it and decide if it’s something you want to pursue.

There are physical therapists who specialize in pulmonary conditions. They are probably ahead of their PT peers in helping people with long-term Covid symptoms but there’s not much research published or public awareness around this topic, so it’s hard to say how much they know and what they can do for Covid.

There are also respiratory therapists that only treat pulmonary issues. Respiratory therapists are not the same thing as a physical therapist with pulmonary specialization but they are another resource you can seek out if you need help. Again, there’s not a ton of info out there about what treatments are being used, so it’s hard to say exactly what respiratory therapists know about Covid treatment.

If you want to know more, start here:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects.html

https://lifefitnesspt.com/guide-cardiopulmonary-physical-therapy/

https://www.gmercyu.edu/academics/learn/what-do-respiratory-therapists-do

And if YOU know something about this topic that I haven’t mentioned, like what has helped you recover from Covid, please share! It helps both patients and healthcare providers to talk about these things.