3 Potential Treatments for Long COVID Symptoms
It’s been nearly three years since COVID-19 first made its way into our lives, and despite the time that has passed, it still seems like every time we turn around, a brand new wave is at our doorstep. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it is estimated that one in every five adults who have recovered from COVID-19 experience long COVID symptoms. Since 2020, we’ve seen dozens of our members impacted by the frustrating, long-term health implications of COVID-19, and in today’s blog, we want to talk about three of the modalities that we have here at Huemn that may be helpful in the management of long COVID symptoms, and what the science says to support their use.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
PEMF Therapy
Photobiomodulation Therapy
While researchers are still studying why certain people experience more severe symptoms, it’s no secret that long COVID has become a major problem for millions of people. What’s more, physicians and scientists alike have very few suggestions for interventions that lead to a decrease in symptoms and an improved quality of life. The three modalities that we’re discussing today all have a few things in common: they are non-invasive, they work with your body’s natural systems, and they are designed to help reduce the inflammatory burden on the body. Let’s take a deep dive into each modality, what the science says (so far), and what symptoms they may be able to help.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long COVID
One of the main theories behind the potential benefits of HBOT for long COVID is that it may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the body. Inflammation is a key feature of COVID-19, and many patients with long COVID continue to experience chronic inflammation even after the acute illness has resolved. By increasing oxygen levels in the body, HBOT may help to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
Additionally, some research suggests that HBOT may help to improve oxygen delivery to tissues that have been damaged by COVID-19. This may help to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue, which are common symptoms of long COVID.
One study published in the journal Medical Gas Research in 2021 investigated the use of HBOT for patients with persistent symptoms of COVID-19. The study included 60 patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and had ongoing symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive impairment. The patients received a series of HBOT treatments and were evaluated for changes in their symptoms. The study found that HBOT was associated with significant improvements in fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive function in some patients.
Another study, published in the Journal of Anesthesia & Critical Care: Open Access in 2021, described the successful use of HBOT in a patient with long COVID who was experiencing persistent hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood).
In addition, there are ongoing clinical trials investigating the use of HBOT for the treatment of long COVID. These include a study at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and a study at the University of California, San Diego.
While research into HBOT for long COVID is still in early stages, it’s promising to the findings encouraging the use of this modality in the treatment of debilitating symptoms. We will continue to add sources as they become available.
The Science:
Statistically significant improvement in long COVID symptoms occurred after 10 HBOT sessions.
PEMF for Long COVID
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate and heal tissues in the body. While there is limited research on the effectiveness of PEMF for long COVID, there are promising studies that suggest PEMF may be beneficial in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life for some patients.
One of the main theories behind the potential benefits of PEMF for long COVID is that it may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the body. As stated above, inflammation is a key characteristic of COVID-19, and is likely the culprit for why many patients with long COVID continue to experience chronic inflammation long after their viral symptoms resolve. By using electromagnetic waves, PEMF may help to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
Additionally, some research suggests that PEMF may help to improve circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues that have been damaged by COVID-19. This may help to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue, which are common symptoms of long COVID.
PEMF may also help to reduce pain and improve sleep, which are other common symptoms of long COVID.
A few studies have looked at the use of PEMF for other respiratory conditions that may be relevant to long COVID. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2016 found that PEMF therapy was effective in reducing symptoms and improving lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Another study published in the same journal in 2018 found that PEMF therapy improved lung function and quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma.
Photobiomodulation (Light Therapy) for Long COVID
Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light therapy to stimulate and heal tissues in the body. While research for COVID-specific conditions is still in early stages, there are thousands of studies citing Photobiomodulation as a valuable healing tool for a myriad of health conditions. In fact, some studies suggest that it may be beneficial in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life for some patients struggling with long COVID symptoms.
Photobiomodulation works by stimulating the mitochondria within cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell and produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through a process called cellular respiration. PBM stimulates the production of ATP within the mitochondria, which in turn enhances cellular activity, including the production of collagen, the removal of waste products, and the release of anti-inflammatory molecules.
One of the main theories behind the potential benefits of PBM for long COVID is that it may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the body. By using low-level light therapy, PBM may help to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
Additionally, some research suggests that PBM may help to improve circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues that have been damaged by COVID-19. This may help to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue, which are common symptoms of long COVID.
PBM may also help to reduce pain and improve sleep, which are other common symptoms of long COVID.
Huemn’s Post-COVID Protocol
At Huemn, we have a specific protocol that members have undergone to improve their long COVID symptoms. This protocol involves:
30 minute PEMF session
60 or 90 minutes in our hard shell Hyperbaric Chamber
13-15 minute session in our Photobiomodulation bed.
If you’d like to schedule your free consultation to go over your concerns, and see if Huemn can help support you in the healing process, you can fill out the form here, and we’ll be in contact with you as soon as possible.