The widespread stay-at-home practice during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic has altered daily function in numerous ways. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of staying in to slow the spread of coronavirus has been that other important existing physical and mental health issues have been “put on the back burner.” Many routine physician appointments and medical tests and procedures have been delayed, or perhaps cancelled altogether. Additionally, new health issues have also arisen during this challenging time.
Medical researchers are reporting alarming trends towards increased incidence of cardiovascular illness, as well as anxiety, depression and other post-traumatic stress disorders. (Check out this article for a study describing the effects of quarantine on cardiovascular risk. This link provides information and resources for coping with pandemic-induced stress.) As a society, we are by necessity reducing our daily physical activity and enduring a lengthy period of unremitting stress. It is also probable that our diets have changed. We are likely eating fewer fresh fruits and veggies as we attempt to limit trips to the store. We may also be eating more processed foods that are high in calories, salt, sweeteners, and preservatives. This combination of inactivity, stress, and suboptimal diet creates conditions under which our bodies are susceptible to illness and injury. We are all deconditioned and have likely lost muscle mass, aerobic capacity, and balance and dexterity. We may be struggling to regulate sleep, mood, and the sharpness of our minds. Some of us are also recovering from COVID-19, which has affected the respiratory, circulatory, and musculoskeletal systems in ways that we are still trying to optimally identify and understand.
As the world collectively navigates life during the age of the coronavirus, safely working through the backlog of needed medical care will be a challenge. For people who have pain or mobility issues, or any musculoskeletal injury or disorder, the best option may be to see a physical therapist first. A physical therapist is also well-equipped to help the public address general health and well-being by providing prescribed activity that can help the body to sustain itself during quarantine conditions.
Texas law allows patients to see a physical therapist directly – without seeing a physician first. Using physical therapists as the first provider of care could take some of the pressure off of primary care physicians and other health providers. Managing health through physical therapy could also prevent or limit some of the other medical issues that are likely to continue to strain the public health system as the pandemic persists.
Here are several examples of care that your physical therapist could provide to help you to maintain and/or improve your health during this challenging time:
- Instruction in breathing exercise and chest / rib cage mobility activity to improve lung capacity. This can decrease issues that arise with asthma, pneumonia, or other respiratory illnesses.
- Development and supervision of a gradual activity progression to improve aerobic capacity and endurance. Adults should engage in at least 150 minute per week of accumulated moderate-intensity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Training in gentle stretching or mobility activity to limit joint and muscular stiffness acquired via relative inactivity and/or changes in daily postures associated with work or care giving.
- Guidance in improving home or work place desk station set-up for optimal ergonomics.
- Coaching in stress-response strategies to help to manage sleep, mood, and mental function.
- Treatment of joint and soft-tissue pain and movement dysfunction.
- Progression of balance and agility activities to limit fall risk or to decrease risk of injury during athletic activity after a period of relative inactivity.
Seeing a physical therapist in person in the office enables optimal assessment of physical health and movement. Other options include virtual care via telehealth, or a hybrid treatment plan that might include intermittent office visits in addition to regular virtual “check-ups.” (Most insurance plans have made provisions to cover both in-office and virtual / telehealth services for at least the next several months. Further pending legislation may extend these benefits further.) Your therapist can consult with you and your family to determine an optimal plan to meet your individual needs.
If you have questions or concerns about your health and wellness, we invite you to contact your therapist at Symmetry. We are available via phone or email and would be glad to work together with you towards a healthy horizon.