What Do We Know so Far about the Physiotherapy Approach for COVID-19 Patients

Kamparoudi Georgia Maria^1*, Chalkia Anna² & Kottaras Anastasios³

¹Ph Academic Scholar of Physiotherapy, International Hellenic University (IHU) of Greece, Greece
²PT, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, International Hellenic University, Greece
³PT, Physiotherapy Laboratory, Greece

Dr. Kamparoudi Georgia Maria, Ph Academic Scholar of Physiotherapy, International Hellenic University (IHU) of Greece, Greece.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; SARS-Cov-2 Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation; Telerehabilitation

Abstract

Background
SARS-CoV-2-associated disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new highly contagious coronavirus. The first cases were reported in December 2019 in China and the virus gradually spread around the world. Most patients (80%) present with mild to moderate form (with or without pneumonia), 14% severe and 6% critical form (respiratory distress, septic shock, dysfunction of many organs). People with COVID-19 may have flu-like symptoms and respiratory infections. The main early symptoms of COVID-19 patients include fever (89%), dry cough (64%), fatigue (38%), muscle, nasal congestion and runny nose, secretion/ sputum production (34%), dyspnea, anemia / insomnia (19%), etc. The early clinical symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the common flu. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, physiotherapy plays a key role in the acute and subacute phase in the rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19 and in the continuation of rehabilitation for the disabled and the elderly with appropriate modifications in the provision of services ensuring prevention and precautionary rules as required the pandemic.

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