“Long covid” syndrome non pharmacological treatment

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim of the study Many patients affected by COVID-19 after having been declared “recovered” show the so called “long covid syndrome” a series of signs and symptoms which resist for weeks after the clinical healing. Materials and Methods: We studied 11 patients between 30 and 75 years old with diagnosis of COVID19 and then declared healed. All patients have been treated at home with light or moderate respiratory symptoms. Patients with cardio-pulmonary conditions, tumors or metabolic diseases were cut out from the study. During the study patients were monitored for SpO2 and heart rate frequency. Patients were treated with respiratory rehabilitation, soft tissues manipulation and specific exercises to improve lung capacity. Results: After the treatment all patients referred a reduction of the chest oppression and better dilatation of the chest. Saturation improved from treatment to treatment (average before treatments 93,7% RV 87 - 95. Average after treatments 98,7% RV 97-99) with an average improvement of 5% in Sp O2. Conclusions: The study involved a limited number of patients because of difficulties in recruiting but the results are indicative of the effectiveness of a non pharmacological intervention that can help patient in recovering after COVID-19. A wider diffusion of the culture of physical treatment both among physicians and patients may help to contain the spreading of the “long covid syndrome”.