Long COVID: Understanding the Lingering Symptoms

Long COVID, the ongoing health issues that can persist after a COVID-19 infection, has become a significant concern for many. While the majority of people recover fully from COVID-19, a subset experiences a range of symptoms that can last for weeks, months, or even years.

Common Long COVID Symptoms

The spectrum of Long COVID symptoms is wide-ranging and can vary significantly from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and exhaustion, even after minimal activity.
• Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or thinking clearly.
• Headaches: Frequent or persistent headaches.
• Muscle aches and pains: Ongoing muscle soreness and weakness.
• Joint pain: Aching joints, particularly in the hands and feet.
• Chest pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest area.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless.

Chiropractors focus on the body's musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. They believe that misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can interfere with the nervous system's communication with the rest of the body.   

Some common Long COVID symptoms that chiropractic care might address include:

• Fatigue: Chiropractic adjustments may help improve energy levels by optimizing nervous system function.   
• Muscle aches and pains: Chiropractors use techniques like spinal manipulation and massage to alleviate muscle tension and pain.  

Laser Therapy for Long COVID Symptoms

Laser therapy offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to managing pain and promoting healing. At its core, laser therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing processes within the body. The low-level lasers used in therapeutic applications are distinct from the high-powered lasers used in surgery. These therapeutic lasers deliver concentrated light energy to targeted tissues, triggering a cascade of beneficial effects.

Laser therapy in particular has been shown to alleviate the cognitive aftereffects of COVID-19, especially symptoms like brain fog. Photobiomodulation (PBM) “involves the use of light (usually red or near-infrared light) to stimulate cellular processes that can improve tissue repair and reduce inflammation. It's non-invasive and has been shown to have potential benefits in various neurological conditions.”

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What Does it Look Like to Become a Thatcher Chiropractic Patient?

Choosing a healthcare provider is one of the most important decisions you make. When you choose Dr. Thatcher for your treatments, you get a customized care plan.

When you first become a patient, we'll likely recommend more frequent visits. As time goes on, your joints will begin to maintain their proper position, and the benefit of the treatments will improve. Why choose us for your health care? There are plenty of chiropractors in Ann Arbor, but we aren't like anywhere else you've ever experienced. We believe in fast, friendly, and affordable care, we listen to you, and we are here to serve you. Contact us today to learn more!

“I’m really grateful for Dr. Thatcher and his team for the care and experience they provide— every single person I’ve encountered in the office is incredibly kind, very flexible with hours and providing help if I need to move an appointment. The adjustments themselves have changed the way my back and posture feels, and Dr. Thatcher also gives effective stretches and tips to maintain healthier posture. Just genuinely a cool group of people and would 100% recommend!” – Google Review