Has anyone with PEM tried physical therapy or occupational therapy?

Hi @roadog66. Im sure many here can share speech/physical/occupational therapy journeys. My personal experience is there is significant difference between those who personally had post covid or treated post covid patients and those who did not. This is unlike anything else and our own bodies differences further complicate healing recovery methods. That said my body did not tolerate the rubber bands. Laying, seated, stand in corner exercises with diaphragmatic breathing etc allowed slow muscle build up without crashing to retain it. As they shared this is a patience needed journey that has success awaiting! Quickest healing to you🌈

I'm 71 and got covid, then long covid 2 years ago (my vac was 6 mo before). It mostly hit my cardiovascular system and PEM, so minor exercise until the heart problems went away. I've had strength and balance PT. Before I could bike 150 mi/week, now I go on walks and short bike rides. I pace my aerobic exercise so PEM doesn't kick in, but I've found I can do resistance/weight/flexibility training even when fatigued. Exercise is important, and not all PT trainers listen to you (I don't like bands either). I feel better after getting exercise, another accomplishment after the evil covid. Check with your doctor on exercise plans because weights and aerobic work are important to lessen bone and muscle loss and improve cardiovascular, immune, and other systems.

I am interested in this also. I tried PT for 6 weeks, relatively mild PT, but no improvement in strength or stamina and at my 6 week reevaluation I was actually a bit worse. I am maybe interested in OT with a LC/ PEM experienced therapist to help manage limited daily energy. Not sure if that person exists in my state.

For interesting articles about PEM visit the free YouTube channels of the Bateman Horne Center and also of Gez Medinger (he is one of us). From everything I have read, PT does not help PEM; it all has to do with our 'energy envelope'.
I'm 82 years old and 4+ years post covid and suffer bouts of PEM if I over-do in any physical or cognitive way.
My best to you.

Thanks so much for your comment. It seems to be the consensus and also from my own experience. I try to work within my energy envelope but don't always succeed. All the best to you.

When I have called for PT and OT services I asked for someone experience with long covid and or pem. The intake person always says oh yes we have experience people let me let me find one and then they send me people who have no experience. The better ones will lead will read some articles and are willing to learn.

I know what you mean. When I feel 'normal', it's hard to remember to 'stop',
🙂