Five things to know about COVID-19 rehabilitation and recovery

You were diagnosed with and survived COVID-19 – now what?

Whether you were hospitalized with severe illness or stayed home with mild symptoms, you may need support to get back to your “normal.” Many COVID-19 survivors are weaker after illness, or deal with ongoing symptoms like brain fog. Some COVID-19 survivors may even experience extended symptoms after their initial sickness, which is known as “Long COVID-19.”

We asked therapists from M Health Fairview Rehabilitation Services and our dedicated COVID-19 Rehabilitation Therapy Program what to expect when recovering from COVID-19 – and how our team of specialists can help patients of all ages get back to doing what they love. 

Rehabilitation means rebuilding strength – and managing lingering symptoms.

COVID-19 has many potential long-term effects. Long COVID-19 refers to symptoms that continue after illness. These can last months or even years. So far, we’re not sure why certain people experience long COVID-19. It seems to affect both those with mild cases and those who were hospitalized. Rehabilitation specialists can help patients lessen and adapt to lasting symptoms like fatigue or brain fog, with the goal of getting them back to daily activity.

Patients who were hospitalized with severe COVID-19 are often much weaker after their illness. They’ve been in bed, often on life support. Rehabilitation can help these patients regain strength and independence, but therapists also encourage those who had a mild case to seek treatment if they notice ongoing changes. Some of the most common symptoms of long COVID-19 are fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and chest pain. Depression and anxiety can go hand in hand with these symptoms.

Children recovering from COVID-19 can experience many of these same challenges. We work with patients of all ages and have a dedicated team of pediatric therapists.

If you were diagnosed with COVID-19 and are struggling with lasting effects, talk to your doctor about a referral or contact our COVID-19 Rehabilitation Therapy Program at 612-273-6228.