Long Covid Rehabilitation
Most people’s symptoms of Covid-19 resolve within a few weeks although some people may experience persisting or new symptoms after this initial time period.
This is referred to as Long Covid.
Long Covid
Long Covid symptoms include those that develop during or after a Covid-19 infection that are consistent with symptoms.
These continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by another cause.
Long Covid can effect anyone who has had Covid-19 regardless if you were seriously unwell or had mild symptoms.
There is no ‘cure’ for Long Covid currently, however we know that by looking at symptoms we can help with symptom management and improve people’s quality of life.
The condition is usually made up from common symptoms, these can affect any system in the body. The most common symptoms are are listed below. There are more that are not listed.
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness & Cough
- Loss of smell and taste
- Muscle pain
- Chest pain
- Problems with memory and/or concentration – referred to as ‘Brain Fog’.
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Problems with speech
If you want to find out more or are unsure whether to seek help for your symptoms, please visit NHS Inform’s Long Covid page for more detailed guidance.
Long Covid is still a relatively new condition with an emerging evidence base. Lanarkshire’s current advice and support has been informed by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, specifically their guideline on Managing the long-term effects of COVID-19.
What can help you manage your Long Covid?
Many of the symptoms of Long Covid can respond well to some simple actions and strategies.
We have developed the Lanarkshire My Long Covid Self-Management Workbook to give you the information and tools you need to support your recovery.
We recommend following the guidance in this workbook for at least 3 months before you may notice some change.
NHS Lanarkshire’s Long Covid Rehabilitation Pathway
For some people, their symptoms of Long Covid are too severe or will not respond to self-management alone. These people may benefit from more targeted rehabilitation by attending a group programme or more focused 1:1 sessions.
People can only be referred for rehabilitation by their health or care professional (such as GP, physiotherapist, social worker). Once referred, we ask you to complete some questionnaires that help us understand your symptoms and experience better.
This gives us the information we need to best plan your rehabilitation journey supported by our specialist team made up of the following health professionals:
Dieticians
Dietitians work in lots of different areas. They will assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems.
In the Covid Rehab Team, we have specialist Dieitians who will help assess and treat dietary and nutritional issues you may have as a result of Covid.
These may include:
- Weight loss
- Poor Appetite
- Upset stomach – feeling sick and constipation
- Loss of taste / smell
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists provide practical support to help people manage everyday activities (occupations) that matter to them. They can provide advice and/or equipment to make everyday tasks more manageable.
In the Covid Rehab Team, we have specialist Occupational Therapists who will help you manage your symptoms of Long Covid.
They can help you with:
- Fatigue
- Pacing
- Daily activities
- Pain
- Stress
- Brain Fog
- Work – including paid work, volunteering, education and carer roles
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists work in lots of different areas. They help people recover from injury, illness or disability.
In the Covid Rehab Team, we have specialist Physiotherapists who will help you manage your symptoms of Long Covid.
The Physiotherapists will look at your:
- Strength
- Balance
- Movement
- Breathing
- Daily activities
- Mobility
Psychological Practitioners
Psychological Practitioners work in lots of different areas. They help you understand how the way you think and the things you do, affect how you feel.
They will support you to to process your emotions and make helpful changes.
In the Covid Rehab Team, we have specialist Psychological Practitioners who who will help you manage your symptoms of Long Covid.
They will look at:
- Helping you adjust
- Managing difficult emotions
- Low mood
- Building confidence
- Building social support
- Anxiety
Speech and Language Therapists
Speech & Language Therapists work in lots of different areas. They make a positive difference to the lives of people affected by communication and swallowing difficulties.
In the Covid Rehab Team, we have specialist Speech & Language Therapists who will help you manage your symptoms of Long Covid.
They will look at:
- Your Voice
- Swallowing difficulties
- Any communication problems
Helpful Websites for further support
NHS inform
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Long Covid Scotland – support network/group
If you are experiencing fatigue:
Post viral-fatigue and conserving energy – Royal College of Occupational Therapy
If you are experiencing breathlessness:
Resources for Breathing Pattern Disorders
