Symptoms and Conditions Post-Covid may be just as debilitating (or more so) than the active virus itself. Doctors are seeing cases of POTS, Dysautonomia, and heart/blood pressure issues post-Covid, even in patients who had mild cases or who were asymptomatic. Occasions of Post-Covid Syndrome may be more severe and long-lasting in patients (even those who were vaccinated), if they had pre-existing conditions of illnesses such as chronic migraine, IBS, and fibromyalgia.
While symptoms can be scary and troubling, and may continue weeks – or even months – after fighting off active infection, there ARE ways to manage and decrease symptoms towards recovery. Read on to Learn More.
Massage Therapy & Bodywork
Massage Therapy may be able to help in decreasing your symptoms.
According to massagetherapy.com, “‘Massage is good for circulation, which helps these issues (breathing issues, sinus pressure, and overall weakness) while also relieving the stress associated with long-haul COVID.’”
Receiving massage therapy after fighting off the virus gives your nervous system the opportunity to rest and calm down, potentially reducing inflammation, temporarily lowering blood pressure, decreasing the pain response, and relieving tension. Modalities such as gentle chiropractic and acupuncture may be beneficial as well.
Massage can help in managing Covid Long-Haul Symptoms
Gentle Exercise
Consistent activities such as Mild-to-Moderate Walking, Stationary Bike, Gentle Stretching, Deep Breathing Exercises and Meditation, may also help. If 30-40 minutes of movement a day is too much for you or seems unachievable, try walking in place during commercial breaks, or splitting your exercise into 5 minute increments throughout the day.
Exercise can also aid in sleep. Studies show that regular exercise helps in falling asleep more quickly, as well as improving quality of sleep. And getting the recommended 7-10 hours of sleep a night (8 on average), helps the body and mind to recover from the day’s activities, recharges our energy, and boosts our immune system.
Ginger Lemon Tea
Ginger Lemon Tea may be beneficial as well, and has been shown to lower inflammation, decrease or eliminate nausea and vomiting, ease headaches and muscles aches, improve heart health and circulation, and more! Aim to drink at least 30ml twice a day.
(View more information and a Recipe for Ginger Lemon Tea from Healthline HERE.)
Vitamins, Supplements & Medications
Vitamins and Supplements may help in heart health, immunity, lowering inflammation, and more. These include, but aren’t limited to, Vitamin B Complex, which plays a crucial role in energy metabolism; Vitamin B2, known for its antioxidant properties; Vitamins C & D, essential for immune function and bone health; and Magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports cardiovascular function. Additionally, Turmeric may be helpful in treating symptoms of inflammation due to its active compound, curcumin, which boasts strong anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, many healthcare professionals are increasingly prescribing Beta Blockers for managing conditions such as hypertension, tachycardia, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) – known complications post-COVID – highlighting the importance of a multifaceted approach to cardiovascular health and overall wellness that combines lifestyle changes with medical interventions.
Diet
Other advice that be be helpful includes increasing water consumption, limiting or eliminating caffeine intake, reducing salt, and sticking to a Whole Food Plant Based diet, or at the very least, adding in more fruits and vegetables. Berries, for example, can help in fighting inflammation. And Potassium, found in foods such as potato, avocado, and bananas, can aid in heart health. Making these changes to eating & drinking habits may have other benefits as well, such as decreasing heartburn, headaches, myofascial pain and inflammation, decreasing cancer risk, and managing high blood pressure or diabetes – conditions triggered or exacerbated by certain illnesses and viruses.
In Summary
The idea is to lower the inflammation and “fight or flight” response, while increasing lung capacity and heart health.
We hope these ideas are beneficial to you. And if you are experiencing this or any other issues post-Covid, know that you are not alone.
Take Care of Yourself. It is not a privilege. It is a necessity.
(Information shared from several healthcare sources, including local doctors. Please make sure to inquire with your physician about symptoms & medications, and always ask your doctor before starting and new supplements, diets, exercise programs or other treatments.)
Heaven Sent Massage of Ellijay 