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Post-COVID Rehabilitation

The global pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19 has made people take their health more seriously. Full recovery and a return to normal life do not happen immediately after overcoming the illness. Post-COVID rehabilitation is necessary, and during this period, it is crucial to follow all prescriptions, recommendations, and advice from the treating physician.

Possible Post-COVID Consequences

COVID-19 can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications, such as:

Insomnia
Emotional and psychological distress
Depression
Stroke
Pulmonary fibrosis

Rehabilitation should begin immediately after hospital discharge, and patients should avoid rushing back to work or visiting crowded places (public transport, clubs, theaters, etc.).

How Does Rehabilitation Work?

Rehabilitation methods are selected individually by medical professionals, as every patient’s condition and recovery process are unique. However, there is a general framework for post-COVID rehabilitation that includes both pharmacological and physiotherapy treatments.

Pharmacological Therapy

Medications are prescribed based on the severity of the illness, the presence of chronic diseases, and individual characteristics. The main goals of pharmacological therapy are:

Restoring oxygen and nutrient transport in the body
Enhancing metabolic processes in tissues and reducing free radicals
Reducing inflammation and degenerative changes
Improving heart and vascular function
Alleviating asthenic syndrome symptoms (irritability, fatigue, weakness, anxiety, poor concentration, depression)
Regulating the autonomic nervous system, especially for symptoms like dizziness and excessive sweating

Medication courses typically last from five to ten days.

Physiotherapy Course

Physiotherapy begins immediately after discharge and can last two to four weeks. It includes:

Magnetotherapy and laser therapy – improve tissue oxygenation, stimulate circulation, reduce blood viscosity, eliminate lymphatic congestion, restore blood transport function, and enhance immunity.
Acupuncture and reflexology – improve microcirculation, regulate blood pressure, alleviate depression, stimulate the immune system, and enhance muscle tone.
Massage and manual therapy – restore movement range, improve muscle tone, strengthen diaphragmatic breathing, enhance muscle function involved in respiration, and provide an overall tonic effect.
Therapeutic exercise (vector gymnastics, kinesitherapy) – restore muscle tone, improve movement range, increase tolerance to physical activity, and support cardiovascular and respiratory function.

Developing an Individual Rehabilitation Program

The primary goal of rehabilitation is complete functional recovery and a return to a normal lifestyle. The focus is on:

Eliminating shortness of breath and general weakness
Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
Improving concentration, memory, swallowing function, and voice recovery

Since post-COVID symptoms vary in each case, rehabilitation programs are highly individualized. A physician develops the rehabilitation plan based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history. If a patient has chronic, systemic, or genetic conditions, a consultation with a specialized doctor is required.

Even if COVID-19 was mild, lingering symptoms such as shortness of breath with minimal exertion, dizziness, excessive sweating, chest tightness, or heart pain require medical attention. A physician will conduct necessary tests and recommend appropriate rehabilitation procedures.