As more about the effects of long COVID is learnt, it is apparent that cardio-respiratory physiotherapists have an essential role in helping people recover from the virus, a University of Otago physiotherapy specialist says.
Dr Sarah Rhodes.
Dr Sarah Rhodes is a cardio-respiratory physiotherapist, a Lecturer at the University of Otago's School of Physiotherapy and Secretary of the Physiotherapy New Zealand Cardio-Respiratory Special Interest Group (CRSIG).
She explains that internationally cardio-respiratory physiotherapists have been essential workers providing vital care in intensive care units throughout the COVID‑19 pandemic.
"Physiotherapy is a very close-knit community here and globally. We've been keeping tabs on what is happening overseas and seeing the emergence of people who have had COVID, appeared to have recovered and then relapsed, or have never really recovered fully," Dr Rhodes says.
"We are recognising some of the effects of long COVID symptoms as being really common, such as fatigue, breathlessness, and muscle weakness.
