Covid Physical Therapy
People who have survived the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, may have spent many days or weeks in the hospital or have been bedridden at home. They may have other complications from the virus that are making it hard to return to normal life.
Supine Belly Breathing
Stress and illness can affect how we breathe, impacting our digestion, cardiac and pulmonary function, nervous system and overall health. Luckily, we can control how and where we breathe in our bodies to change this.
Supine Absolute Basics – "The Bare Minimum"
Some of the absolute basic exercises that should be performed if you are bed-bound include ankle pumps, heel slides and rolling from side to side to change position. Doing these exercises regularly several times a day will help from developing blood clots, pressure ulcers or bedsores, and contractures (shortened, tight muscles).
Getting Out of Bed (Supine Log Roll)
The 'log roll' is a simple technique to make it easier to get in and out of bed, and is useful for those who have back pain or decreased balance and strength.
Seated Pursed Lip Breathing
Pursed lip breathing is a technique that makes breathing easier and more effective and can resolve shortness of breath caused by exercise or increased activity.
Seated Stacked Breathing
Stacked breathing is a technique to increase the size of the breath you are able take in. It can also improve the strength of your voice and your cough, so you can better clear out the lungs, as well as your lung flexibility.
Sit-to-Stand
This highly practical and functional exercise strengthens the muscles we need to be able to safely get in and out of chairs, stand up from bed and get on and off the toilet.
Standing Basic Balancing Exercises
Improving our balance makes us more stable while walking and using stairs and decreases our risk of falls and injury. It is an important component of recovery after extended illness and hospitalization.
Standing Calf Raises & Marching
These exercises improves blood flow, strength and stability in the lower legs and make activities like climbing stairs and stepping over objects easier.
Judith Meer, PT, DPT, PRPC, CSCSDoctor of Physical Therapy
Burlington Clinic
444 S Union St2nd FloorBurlington, VT 05401
burlington@thepelvicpt.com802.357.5747
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Hoboken Clinic
258 Newark StreetSuite 204Hoboken, NJ 07030
hoboken@thepelvicpt.com201.942.4429
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