Tatiana Neeshpapa, a pulmonologist of the first category, a general practitioner, a member of the Russian Respiratory Society, gave recommendations on how to restore the body after a coronavirus infection.
Neshpapa said that those who have had COVID-19 in a mild form do not need rehabilitation. In such cases, the body is able to recover on its own. After such a manifestation of the disease in patients for a month and a half, only a cough may remain, which can be dealt with faster thanks to massage, breathing exercises and means for coughing up phlegm.
Those who have had a moderate coronavirus infection can do with individually selected exercises, the intensity and duration of which will gradually increase.
The doctor noted that after a severe course of the disease, patients will need a full range of rehabilitation measures. You should start with slow exercises for small and medium muscle groups, as well as dynamic and static breathing exercises. The whole process takes place while lying down. When a person who has recovered gets stronger, Neeshpapa recommends encouraging him to move, for example, dressing himself, washing himself, washing dishes, and so on. Then you can add elements of breathing exercises to these actions.
The process of pulmonary rehabilitation itself can consist of a variety of exercises, including deep and slow breathing and vibration massage by tapping on the chest. Also, breathing exercises should be done in different positions, for example, lying on your stomach, on your side and on an inclined surface with your head down.
Already after discharge from the hospital, subject to normal health, the pulmonologist advises to engage in aerobic exercise for 20-30 minutes three times a week for 8-12 weeks. Over time, their intensity and duration can be increased. She told about this in an interview with "Arguments and Facts".
More information about coronavirus infection and its consequences can be found on our website in a dedicated topic.