Physiotherapy Treatment during Corona Times - Summary and Guidelines

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization declared that the corona virus disease (COVID 19) is a global pandemic and public health emergency, following the outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Fever, dry cough and fatigue were the main manifestations, but the primary concern is cases that deteriorated to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The outbreak of COVID- 19 in Israel, in March 2020 caused major changes in the routine work in hospitals. Hasharon hospital, a small community hospital in Petah Tikvah was converted to corona patients' admissions only. In accordance with this new reality, the physiotherapy service prepared itself to provide treatments tailored to the clinical needs of the Covid 19 patients and the quarantine conditions of these patients' hospitalization. During a period of 2 months, we built a unique protocol adjusted to isolated patients and staff, including telemedicine and hands-on treatment. This article summarizes our experience of physiotherapy treatment in the acute and rehabilitation period.