Recovering from COVID-19 with Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

About the Novel Coronavirus

By John S. Georgy, MD

The novel coronavirus causes the infection known as COVID-19. Although there is much to learn about the virus and its effects, the need for rehabilitation for patients recovering from COVID-19 is well-evidenced within the medical community. COVID-19 symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Muscle aches/pains.

COVID-19 effects individuals differently, and it is unclear exactly why at this point; although, we do know that certain patients are at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms than others. As patients recover from the virus, the need for some individuals to recover muscle strength and function is essential to their overall recovery and livelihood. Some people may experience severe myopathy (muscle disease) and even atrophy depending on the nature and longevity of their symptoms.

I am recovering from COVID-19. What can I do?

As the timeline of the virus continues – more people will recover and more treatment therapies will develop. We are already seeing a need for some patients to require rehabilitation placement in order to build up the strength and functional capacity to be able to return home safely and prevent further future injury. Our physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians can assist all those that require functional recovery from COVID-19 in an effort to return back to their activities of daily living safely. Consultations can not only be done from the hospital and office setting, but for the safety of our patients, can also be done via TeleMedicine capability at this time.

Dr. John Georgy

Dr. Georgy is a pain management physician. He is fellowship trained in Interventional Pain Medicine. He completed his fellowship at The Spine and Pain Institute of New York in NYC, where he served as the chief fellow. Dr. Georgy underwent his residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He served as the chief resident during his time there and received the Leo M.d Davidoff Teaching Award. Additionally, he was recognized for Outstanding Contribution and Service at the New York Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He completed his internship in general surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL.