Post-covid syndrome
Recovered but not healthy. After surviving an infection with the Covid-19 Sars-CoV-2 virus, the effects on the body and psyche are varied. Many suffer from long-term effects such as shortness of breath, exhaustion and fatigue.
Most of the sick survive an infection with the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus apparently unscathed. But some people – even those who have had mild versions of the disease – continue to have symptoms after their initial recovery. Here one speaks of the post-COVID19 syndrome.
The effects of an infection on the body and mind are manifold. Persistent COVID-19 symptoms are most common in older people and people with many serious pre-existing conditions, but young, otherwise healthy people can also feel unwell for weeks to months after the infection. The most common signs and symptoms that persist over time are:
- constant fatigue and weakness
- cough and difficulty in breathing
- pain in the limbs
- exhaustion
Many patients also report persistent emotional and psychological distress. This can be reinforced by:
- the fear of losing their job
- short-time work
- problems with caring for children
- domestic violence.
Researchers in China and America have observed that people suffer from chronic damage to the lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis) after severe disease. Damage to the kidneys, liver, brain and nerve cells are also possible consequences. And there is a risk of thrombosis with heart attack, stroke and pulmonary embolism.
The OXYMED concept
The OXYMED center has put together a therapy program that is unique in Europe for people who have survived the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in combination with pulmonary rehabilitation is a unique concept of its kind. With hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO therapy), the body receives oxygen under pressure. In the hyperbaric chamber “the body wakes up by breathing”. The regeneration process in the body is activated and promoted by the supplied oxygen in combination with the individual rehabilitation program.
The Rehabilitation Goal
Our focus is on coping with and reducing the symptoms of the disease as well as physical regeneration, improvement of everyday functions and well-being.
Specific goals in the treatment of physical complaints are:
- Improvement of breathing symptoms and shortness of breath
- Improvement in physical performance, strength, stamina and fitness
- Training in dealing with the symptoms
- Reduction of physical symptoms of illness, developing confidence in physical resilience through targeted training
Our multimodal therapy is based on the therapy goals, which are coordinated with the patient based on the symptoms of the disease. An aftercare plan ensures the seamless transition to outpatient treatment.
Treatment program
The greatest advantages for every patient in the OXYMED center lie in an individually tailored, high-intensity therapy program and comprehensive care. Up to 4 hours a day and five days a week. This consist of:
- doctors
- physiotherapists
- nurses and health workers,
- occupational therapists,
- sports and movement therapists,
- respiratory therapists
- nutritionist
Individual therapy planning takes place according to the focus of the symptoms and the rehabilitation goals:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the HAUX oxygen chamber
- Respiratory physiotherapy, reflective breathing therapy, respiratory muscle training
- Neuromuscular electrotherapy
- Nutritional advice
- physiotherapy
- hydrotherapy
- pain management (if necessary)
- manual therapy
- Physical training, endurance training, strength training
In order to enable a complete functional recovery and a return to a life after Corona, targeted rehabilitation measures should be considered.
