EASTERN SPORT & SPINAL CARE NEWSLETTER – MAY 2022
Dear Valued Client,
We hope this finds you well and that you have managed to avoid the current Covid 19 virus.
If unfortunately, you have contracted the virus, we hope that your symptoms were mild and that you have made a good recovery. Often a major side effect of any virus is fatigue and with some viruses e.g. Herpes Simplex (chicken pox /shingles), Epstein Barr (Glandular fever), Viral Pneumonia and Corona viruses, the fatigue can persist for a longer period of time.
Post Viral fatigue? We can help you!
Persisting fatigue and lack of energy are characteristic symptoms of the current Covid 19 infection and termed “Long Covid”
The precise cause of the post viral fatigue is uncertain but believed to be related to the body’s production of chemicals “cytokines” by the immune system to fight the virus – like a “cytokine storm”.
Although severe and prolonged mental and physical fatigue is the main symptom, there are a range of other symptoms which may include headaches, widespread muscular / joint pain, sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, feeling unwell after activity, sore throats, tender glands, balance problems and feeling feverish.
Often the people who are most predisposed to this are those who are high achievers, with little rest time and those who have been exposed to prolonged stress or trauma.
In most cases post viral fatigue has a fluctuating course with symptoms being good on some days and flaring up on others but this is variable and different for each person.
Early recognition/ diagnosis and symptom management is very helpful in managing this condition.
In managing Post Viral Fatigue it is important to address the following:-
- Pacing yourself– balance between rest and activity
- Improving sleep patterns and sleep hygiene
- Gradual reintroduction of exercise (minimal at first) through a graduated exercise program
- Addressing unhelpful attitudes e.g. perfectionism, pushing through to get things done
- Improving stress management and relaxation techniques
- Reasonable adjustments at work
- Setting realistic goals
We can help you to set up a sustainable plan of how best to manage your fatigue and work towards achieving realistic goals, how to cope with setbacks and gradually regain your strength and stamina.
If you are an athlete, it is important that you follow a graduated plan of returning to exercise after having Covid 19. Initially you need to rest for 10 days from symptom onset and at least 7 days of being symptom free and be off all medication before starting your graduated rehab plan.
At Eastern Sports and Spinal Care we can help you with advice and setting up an individualised graded return to sport that is appropriate for you and the stage of your recovery.
Pinc and Steel Cancer rehab class is going well!
We have also commenced our Targeted Cancer Rehab Class which is fully funded by the Pinc and Steel foundation.
In this group fatigue is also a major issue and is not relieved by rest but is helped by gentle exercise. If you have any friends or family with any type of cancer diagnosis that you feel would benefit from some assistance to regain some strength and fitness, so they can do the things they enjoy please let them and us know. When we have enough clients, we will apply for further funding for another class to start in June.
New 6 -week GLA:D (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark) Program starting 31st May
We have a new GLA:D class starting at the end of this month. This is suitable for men and women of all ages with hip and /or knee pain. Our current GLA:D participants report increased strength and mobility and improved function e.g. getting in and out of the car, ease of climbing stairs and walking.
An assessment is required with Georgia before commencement. If you know anyone who may benefit, please let us know!
Client Loyalty Program
We value our loyal clients so make sure that those you have referred inform us so that you can receive $10 off your next consult!
Take care until we see you next!
Libby Austin
Practice Principal