The Multisystem effects of Long COVID Syndrome and Potential Benefits of Massage Therapy in Long COVID Care.
Int J Ther Massage Bodywork
; 17(1): 19-42, 2024 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38486840
ABSTRACT
Background:
A major complication of infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, is the potential for Long COVID Syndrome. While the pathophysiology of Long COVID Syndrome has yet to be described, the disease presentation is characterized by long-term symptoms with debilitating effects on human health. A better understanding of Long COVID symptomology may open up new avenues for patient treatment such as massage therapy.Methods:
From the PubMed database, cohort studies that examined post-infection COVID sequelae published between January 1st, 2021 and April 30th, 2021 were selected to investigate patient demographics and symptoms. A review of massage therapy literature since 2000 in conjunction with identified Long COVID symptoms was performed.Results:
This systematic review identified 17 cohort studies across the world that investigated the symptomatology of patients suffering from post-COVID sequelae in multiple organ systems. We identified the pulmonary and nervous systems to be the organ systems most affected with post-COVID sequelae, with PTSD, fatigue, dyspnea, cough, sleep disturbances, loss of smell, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite as the most common symptoms reported by >20% of Long COVID patients. Massage therapy was historically found to provide benefits to patients experiencing similar symptoms to those identified in Long COVID.Conclusions:
Recognizing the need for new approaches to treatment for Long COVID Syndrome, we identify massage therapy as a potential therapeutic treatment to positively impact the organ systems affected by Long COVID, especially the high-incident symptoms, and improve patient quality of life.
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Therapeutic Methods and Therapies TCIM:
Terapias_manuales
/
Masoterapia
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Ther Massage Bodywork
Year:
2024
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Seychelles