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Has anyone with PEM tried physical therapy or occupational therapy?
I'm on my third try with PTNOT. I had some success with PT after five months of Elsie was able to walk more but I've had no luck on the upper body and I have pronounced arm and hand weakness cannot lift things. I recently started in again and the OT gave me the simplest Thera band but I may have crashed I don't know whether I should try some more or just hang it up. There is very mixed messaging in my research with strong opinions from those with PEM that this is not appropriate but what have you all say especially those with you with PEM?
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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🌈
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2 ReactionsI'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.