OVF Submission
assignment
ILO - 3
Name:
Class: Next 3
Date: 2023
Subject: Module 3 - Week 13 – COPD 2
Objective: The student shows investigative ability by writing a substantiated proposal for
effective rehabilitation of the CAS patient (the COVID-19 Associated Syndrome (CAS).
1
, What is COVID-19 Associated Syndrome (CAS)
COVID-19 is a disease that has received a lot of attention over the past 3 years, due to the
pandemic. It has become widely known worldwide, also within physiotherapy.
Long COVID-19, also known as "post-COVID syndrome" refers to the long-lasting health
effects that people experience after recovering from SARS-Cov2 infection. Current research
shows that around 10-20% of people may go on to develop long Covid (Post COVID-19
Condition WHO, 2022). The common symptoms that are seen amongst people with long
covid are fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, brain fog, and muscle aches/pain. These
symptoms can last for weeks, months or even years after their initial diagnosis (Cabrera
Martimbianco et al., 2021). In October 2021, the World Health Organization issued a case
definition for post-COVID syndrome, recognizing its importance in clinical practice. "Post
COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS- CoV-
2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at
least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis ". Currently it is not yet
clear what factors might contribute to the development of Long covid as research is ongoing
(National Institute of Health, 2021).
The Role of physiotherapy in Long Covid patients
For patients with Long COVID physiotherapy is crucial to their recovery. Physiotherapists
work with patients to help them regain their strength, flexibility, and endurance, which may
have been affected by the prolonged illness.
The physiotherapist will work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan
that includes exercises to improve strength, endurance, and flexibility. This may include
exercises to improve breathing, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength. They may also
work on balance and coordination. The physiotherapist may also use techniques such as
manual therapy and soft tissue mobilization. These may help to improve mobility and
decrease discomfort and pain.
In addition to physical exercise, it is important to also provide education. This may include
education on energy conservation techniques, and strategies to help patients manage their
symptoms and prevent exacerbations. To some patients providing guidance on how to
perform activities of daily living safely, and if necessary talk about the risk of falls or other
accidents.
The main goal of physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of Long COVID patients is to improve
their overall physical function, regain their strength and function, and help them return to
their normal activities of daily living as quickly and safely as possible.
2
assignment
ILO - 3
Name:
Class: Next 3
Date: 2023
Subject: Module 3 - Week 13 – COPD 2
Objective: The student shows investigative ability by writing a substantiated proposal for
effective rehabilitation of the CAS patient (the COVID-19 Associated Syndrome (CAS).
1
, What is COVID-19 Associated Syndrome (CAS)
COVID-19 is a disease that has received a lot of attention over the past 3 years, due to the
pandemic. It has become widely known worldwide, also within physiotherapy.
Long COVID-19, also known as "post-COVID syndrome" refers to the long-lasting health
effects that people experience after recovering from SARS-Cov2 infection. Current research
shows that around 10-20% of people may go on to develop long Covid (Post COVID-19
Condition WHO, 2022). The common symptoms that are seen amongst people with long
covid are fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, brain fog, and muscle aches/pain. These
symptoms can last for weeks, months or even years after their initial diagnosis (Cabrera
Martimbianco et al., 2021). In October 2021, the World Health Organization issued a case
definition for post-COVID syndrome, recognizing its importance in clinical practice. "Post
COVID-19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS- CoV-
2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at
least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis ". Currently it is not yet
clear what factors might contribute to the development of Long covid as research is ongoing
(National Institute of Health, 2021).
The Role of physiotherapy in Long Covid patients
For patients with Long COVID physiotherapy is crucial to their recovery. Physiotherapists
work with patients to help them regain their strength, flexibility, and endurance, which may
have been affected by the prolonged illness.
The physiotherapist will work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan
that includes exercises to improve strength, endurance, and flexibility. This may include
exercises to improve breathing, cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength. They may also
work on balance and coordination. The physiotherapist may also use techniques such as
manual therapy and soft tissue mobilization. These may help to improve mobility and
decrease discomfort and pain.
In addition to physical exercise, it is important to also provide education. This may include
education on energy conservation techniques, and strategies to help patients manage their
symptoms and prevent exacerbations. To some patients providing guidance on how to
perform activities of daily living safely, and if necessary talk about the risk of falls or other
accidents.
The main goal of physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of Long COVID patients is to improve
their overall physical function, regain their strength and function, and help them return to
their normal activities of daily living as quickly and safely as possible.
2
