Research is still emerging on long covid. This post was last updated on 3rd November 2021.
Long covid (LC) takes a few forms. For some people symptoms include fatigue, headache, and shortness of breath or a cough. For others, there may be more gastrointestinal involvement.
The ZOE study defines LC as symptoms that last beyond 4 or 8 weeks. The study found that about 2% of people who contracted covid still had symptoms after 12 weeks.
Symptoms of Long Covid
We are seeing patients in clinic suffering from muscle aches and headaches months after contracting covid. One study listed the top six symptoms of long covid as:
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inability to exercise
- Headache
Chest pain was ranked #11, and joint pain was #13. However, the ZOE study suggested that over 90% of LC patients suffered from headaches. There are some headaches that we can help with, so we are not surprised that patients would come to us for help. Muscle and joint pains may or may not be clearly linked to LC
People were more likely to develop long covid if they were over 70, had a high BMI, or suffered from asthma. The research also noticed that the more symptoms experienced in the early stages of infection, the more likely the person would be to develop LC.
Similarities Between Long Covid and ME
Ashleigh is trained in the Perrin Technique, so she treats a lot of people who have ME. There are some common features between ME and LC as noted by a Dr Shepherd’s articles in the ME Association and the BMJ. Post-viral fatigue often precedes the development of ME, and fatigue is the number one symptom of LC. Dr Shepherd recommends overlap in the management strategies of LC and ME too.
Management Strategies
Little has been published with regards to potential management strategies. In August 2020, the BMJ published an article, recommending a “whole-patient perspective”. This encompassed mental health professionals, as well as respiratory physiotherapy, and exercise training.
The first step in the process was clinical assessment. We recommend that you see your GP (where possible) for a thorough assessment before making an osteopathy appointment. They can screen for heart and lung function, and refer on for further testing if necessary. You may benefit from support from neurology, cardiology, or respiratory specialists. If your GP is happy there are no major issues, you can make an appointment here.
Osteopaths work primarily with the musculoskeletal system. We may be able to help with muscle and joint pains associated with LC. We can also support you in a graded return to exercise if your GP is happy for you to begin exercising again.
The Perrin Technique works on the lymphatic system. This is the system that encompasses your lymph nodes or “glands”: it is a part of the immune system. Based on research about ME and CFS, it aims to clear body-wide inflammation that may be associated with pain and fatigue. With the similarities between these conditions and long covid, there may be benefit in applying similar treatment protocols to LC patients.