COVID19 and Physical Therapy
December 8, 2020 – As we continue our blog series in December we are taking a look back at 2020. Unfortunately the top story is COVID19. It has been a devastating disease for many people and it has affected the majority of the population in some way. Whether it has been quarantining, being sick, or losing a loved one, this year has been a trying time. Every day, week, and month we are learning more about the disease. In this article I want to share where we are at today with quarantining rules and how physical therapy is dealing with COVID.
The CDC released its new quarantining guidelines early in December. These changes the quarantining rules for those who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID19. There are now 3 options. Option 1, to quarantine for 14 days. Option 2 to quarantine for 10 days. If you have had no symptoms after 10 days then you can leave quarantine but you need to keep your mask on for the majority of the day (even if you are at home) for another 4 days. Option 3 is to quarantine for 7 days and then you can leave quarantine as long as you have had no symptoms and you have had a negative COVID test after day 5. You must continue to keep your mask on for the majority of the day (even if you are at home) for another 7 days. These new guidelines can be welcomed news for those people who do not have symptoms and who cannot quarantine for 14 days. Additional information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/scientific-brief-options-to-reduce-quarantine.html.
A lot of people think of physical therapy as helping someone to recover after a surgery or injury. They think of helping people overcome pain or deal with a change in their life making it hard for them to complete certain tasks as they once would. One of the more common things we treat in physical therapy is deconditioning after a hospitalization or extended period of inactivity. This can occur after a surgery, infection, or anything else that causes a long hospital stay or deconditioning period. COVID19 brings another aspect along with this particular issue. COVID19 has been known to affect heart and lungs which brings along cardiovascular concerns. These are areas that physical therapists already treat after heart attacks, stent placements, long term pulmonary conditions, and other issues. We can work to help you get your legs back under you, improve your heart strength (it is a muscle!) and rate, and get your lungs back. If you are having issues with this problem due to COVID19 or another issue contact us in Louisville at 402-234-3333 or Plattsmouth at 402-298-4747 to schedule a free consultation!
More information can be found at: https://www.choosept.com/radio/detail/physical-therapy-s-role-in-fight-against-covid-19