A Pioneering Physiotherapeutic Approach to the Treatment of a COVID Affected Patient – A Case Report

The Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-19) originated from Wuhan, China and has affected globe since 2019. The virus spread to India in January, 2020. It is highly contagious. In its severe form, the victims of the virus suffered from symptoms such as breathing difficulties, fever, weakness, loss of taste and smell, amongst others. Patients were put on mechanical ventilators and as a result, the requirement of the role of cardio-respiratory physiotherapists became more and more essential. Even after weaning off from the ventilators and being detected Coronavirus negative, the role of the physiotherapists still remained indispensable in order to bring about improvement in the muscle strength of the affected weakened muscles, especially for patients whose movements were limited for extended periods of times due to being dependent on the ventilators; physiotherapists were also required to bring about improvement in the lung capacities and function, to teach gait training for those who find it difficult to walk, to improve in-coordination and overall allow the patients to come back to normal and carry out all the ADL independently and well. He had a severe difficulty in breathing and coughing, along with a generalized weakness all over his body, specifically both his lower limbs. He was admitted in the ICU immediately and was on mechanical ventilator. After all the physiotherapy sessions, the patient was able to carry out his activities of daily living independently; he regained his muscle strength and improved his coordination and ability to walk with a proper gait. He was also able to breathe independently with adequate respiratory muscle strength; and did not feel fatigued as quickly as he used to when he was detected positive for Coronavirus.