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The Blog @ IT&W

Long Covid. It's a real thing.

3/30/2022

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If you’ve recently been experiencing symptoms such as increased heart rate, dizziness, brain fog, or shortness of breath, you’re not alone.
​​If you’ve had Covid, you may be a “long hauler” to what is known as Long Covid. Long haulers appear to be in a state of dysautonomia and may experience a variety of symptoms such as vertigo, low blood pressure, migraines, and difficulties breathing, just to name a few.
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  • What is Dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia refers to a group of medical conditions caused by problems with the autonomic nervous system or ANS. The ANS is the part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary functions such as breathing, heartbeats, and digestion.

There are many possible symptoms of dysautonomia, depending on the cause and which part of the ANS has been affected. Some symptoms can be profound such as irregular heartbeats and fainting, while other symptoms such as heavy sweating and mood swings may be easily overlooked. Because of this, people with dysautonomia are frequently misdiagnosed.
  • How we can help.
ITW is working with other medical professionals to address the symptoms of patients with Long Covid. Our team has unique skills for treating complex conditions and we are putting these to use in finding solutions to this new condition.
​

As always, Innovative Therapy & Wellness does not have a one size fits all in their treatment approach. Each patient will have a treatment plan and goals specifically tailored to them by the team member specializing in their specific symptoms. Your specific treatment may include some of the following:
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1. SPECIFIC BREATHING EXERCISES
In order to help combat decreased endurance or fatigue, we must first address the nervous system prior to beginning traditional therapy. If not, we may in fact digress instead of making forward progress in our health and tolerance.

 
Mt. Sinai, the country’s best long covid clinic, shows in their most up-to-date research that the first step to recovery is breathwork to help retrain breathing patterns using the right muscles. Many symptoms present themselves due to the respiratory system not properly functioning. Patients with Long Covid typically breathe through the mouth and upper chest. However, proper breathing should take place through the nose and deep in the chest using the diaphragm.
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2. FASCIAL MANIPULATION
Our therapists are trained directly from Italy using the Stecco fascial manipulation technique. This cutting edge form of manual therapy identifies abnormal densifications within perimuscular connective tissues known as “fascia”. This treatment will address any restrictions in the head, neck, chest, and abdomen which may affect normal breathing patterns.
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3. NUTRITIONAL CONSULTATION
Proper nutrition is key to a healthy lifestyle.  Nutrition can make a big difference in any post viral recovery by helping to support the areas that have been most impacted by the virus. In long covid this would include reduction of inflammation and fueling to beat fatigue. Our expert nutritionist uses a variety of tools to develop a plan specific to each patient to include a nutrient-dense, whole food diet, and sensible life changes.
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4. THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE
Therapeutic exercise is no doubt an important component of overall well-being. However, it can be particularly challenging for the person experiencing dysautonomia. Therapists must understand how exercise can affect a person with dysautonomia and what strategies can be incorporated in order to make for a successful session.​
Because dysautonomia may reject normal exercise and activity levels, reintroduction of simple movements and exercise is the initial focus. This may include performing movements such as:
  • Exercising while lying down versus standing up on a day that is more symptomatic
  • Squeezing muscles isometrically before changing positions
  • Wearing a heart rate monitor
Once a baseline tolerance is achieved, patients will progress with more specific exercises based on their individual goals. This includes working toward returning to their previous level of activity (sports, hiking, dog walking, etc.), as well as focusing on regaining their strength, endurance, and balance. 
For more information or to schedule your appointment, call (757) 486-8663 today!
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Long Covid. It's a real thing.
March 30, 2022
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What Our Clients Are Saying

Dr. Tracy Hernandez and staff at Innovative Therapy & Wellness are the most talented and professional physical therapy group. Dealing with chronic pain for nearly 10 years, I had yet to receive the proper diagnosis and care until I arrived at Innovative. I am now able to use my arm, I'm walking and feel overall significantly less pain.

Dr. Hernandez is the most knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely caring physical therapist and her staff is a reflection of that too. They use the multiple techniques for treatment, and go above and beyond in their care.

I am so fortunate to be treated by the talented staff at Innovative Therapy.

Alexis P., Chesapeake, VA

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2224 Virginia Beach Blvd Suite 106, ​Virginia Beach, VA 23454
  • Home
  • Team
    • Physical Therapists
    • Massage Therapists
    • Pilates & Personal Trainers
  • Services
    • Physical Therapy
    • Health & Wellness Program
    • Telehealth
    • Nutritional Therapy
  • Trending Techniques
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Directions
    • Join Our Team!
    • Employees Only
  • Patient Portal
    • Reviews & Testimonials
    • Blog
    • Pay My Bill
    • Insurance