
The Atlantis Physical Therapy Approach to Covid-19 Rehab
After listening to our patients and doing extensive research, it has become clear that there are multiple systems in the body that are affected by the Corona Virus. This requires a comprehensive approach based on evidence-based treatment programs combined with years of clinical expertise. Following the current guidelines, protocols, and research of the CDC, World Health Organization, and leading health care institutions we have developed a multi-pronged approach to create personalized treatment programs to help relieve these symptoms and improve our patients’ overall health and functioning.Health Assessment
We start with detailed health assessments based on the current recommended standard of care for post Covid-19 patients to accurately and thoroughly document health status and history. This foundation establishes a baseline to measure improvements in our customized treatment plans. These areas include:- Neurological/Cognitive Status
- Physiological Status
- General Strength and Balance
Breathing and Respiratory Function
Thankfully, the 02 levels of our patients are good, yet it is difficult for them to catch their breath, whether it's simply walking, doing daily tasks, or trying to exercise. The fatigue experienced doesn’t go away after resting. Just going to the market or running errands takes everything out of them. Playing with the grandkids is not an option. Unable to exercise the body can become deconditioned and it’s frustrating. The good news is research is pointing to the muscles involved in breathing have been damaged from the virus. We say this is good news because we have therapies and tools based on WHO guidelines for Covid-19 recovery that can be used in the rehab process to strengthen these muscles. These therapies have long been approved and used for other health problems including COPD, blood pressure, stroke, asthma, heart failure, and neuromuscular diseases. They have also been used by elite athletes to enhance sports performance. Think about exercising or strength training before Covid-19 and how you would get muscle fatigue at the end. Chances are your breathing muscles were fatigued first thus unable to deliver the blood flow and ultimately the oxygen needed to your limbs in order to sustain your performance. By training these muscles, it allows the body to perform better and reduce fatigue. The thought is the same thing is happening with the recovery of Covid-19 patients. Once you begin improving the function of your breathing muscles, you will then be able to increase your overall strength and balance and reduce fatigue. If your legs and core are not strong, it affects your ability to balance and increases the risk of falls.Strength and Balance
Atlantis Physical Therapy is known for our comprehensive strength and balance program, especially targeted to our senior population. Using a variety of specially designed equipment and aids, we incorporate our rehab treatment with real-life simulations to address deficits in a safe manner. Our balance program also assesses any vestibular or ocular impairments that may affect balance. Additionally, SMARTfit, our state-of-the-art evidence-based dual-task system provides another level of treatment that combines motor and cognitive training to improve strengthening and balance. In fact, it has only been in recent years that researchers have linked cognitive performance and balance issues.Brain Health and Performance
Those with ongoing neurologic issues refer to it as “brain fog” with symptoms that may include:- Lack of concentration
- Feeling fuzzy or sluggish in their thinking
- Lack of mental clarity or confusion
- Inability to recall words
- Headaches
Identifying Treatment Areas for Brain Fog
Cambridge Brain Sciences (CBS), a leading web-based platform for the assessment of cognitive function recently released a year-long study in the Lancet that pinpoints the nature and extent of cognitive deficits that predominately affect problem-solving, attention, and speed of processing information. This is of particular importance because we regularly use this platform and are able to run the same assessments on our patients.Click here to try a sample cognitive assessment and book an appointment
(Note: This is an online test hosted on the CBS Site)
Now, that we have research that shows which areas of the brain are affected, we have the tools to address these issues through our vestibular, ocular, and dual-task training system called SMARTFit. We are proud to say that we are the only Torrance and South Bay facility to offer both the Cambridge Brain Sciences cognitive assessment and SmartFit programs.
Dual Tasking: The Next Level in Increasing Brain Neuroplasticity
The SMARTFit dual-tasking system offers a fast track to significantly enhance the mental and physical performance we use in everyday life. This is achieved by using gamification coupled with a technique known as dual tasking, which is the simultaneous combing of cognitive and motor tasks to increase the neuroplasticity in the brain. The predesigned cognitive-motor exercises and learning programming can be fine-tuned to meet the exact development needs of each person regardless of age or ability, which is ideal for those recovering from the long-term effects of Covid-19. The SMARTfit system is easy to learn, but difficult to master. Dual tasking has been shown to increase cognitive enhancements for concussion, age-related decline, early Alzheimer’s Disease, stroke, autism, Parkinson’s Disease and other conditions. Research partners for SMARTfit include Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, USC, Harvard Health, and Rancho Los Alamigos.Why is Post-COVID Recovery so Important?
Patients that are hospitalized receive limited therapy services, with the primary goal to maintain mobility. Upon discharge, post-COVID-19 patients continue to require certain skilled services that address decreased endurance and fatigue, pain, muscle wasting, and often neurological deficits that have been referred to as brain fog. There is also strong evidence, as cited by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to support that physical activity improves or maintains cardio respiratory and muscular fitness, bone and functional health, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and cognitive decline.Our Goal is to Break the Cycle of Inactivity
Our Post-acute Covid-19 Rehab Program at Atlantis Physical Therapy is designed according to the needs of each patient with the goal of helping them return to a productive life at home or work, increase activity levels, and general social functioning. Our highly experienced therapists can discuss the best pathway forward for each individual based on impairments and functional capacity. If you or someone you know is recovering from Covid-19 and experiencing fatigue, loss of function, or brain fog due to the effects of the coronavirus, call us today to schedule an evaluation to determine how we can help. Call us today at 310.325.7404.