Long COVID recovery
A new collaboration with the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT)
Who is referred to BLIS?
BLIS is one of 89 services across the country, which has been set up to support Long COVID sufferers. The team have assessed more than 400 patients in the clinic and have received more than 700 referrals. The BLIS team is multidisciplinary and made up of different specialists, including specialist pain consultants, GPs, psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.
Once the patient has been assessed medically, the team sets up a management plan to help the individual manage their symptoms. If necessary, the service can also refer the patient to specialist provisions to support recovery and rehabilitation. The BLIS service has now received funding from NHS Charities Together to offer a choice of mind body therapies to support their recovery. One such example of mind body therapy that can be quite relaxing and restorative is the Dead Sea Salt Therapy and we look forward to welcoming those who will benefit from sessions in the Dead Sea Salt Therapy Pool.
How can the Dead Sea Salt Therapy pool help?
For patients managing fatigue and breathlessness, it is important for them to continue to move. This helps to avoid their muscles becoming weaker, as this could exacerbate their symptoms. Gentle exercise movements can also increase flexibility, which will help to relieve joint and muscle pain. In the Dead Sea Salt Therapy pool, patients will float upright, supported by the warm salt water. This will allow them to perform gentle movements with ease in a relaxing environment. With easier exercise comes the opportunity to regain better levels of fitness.
For those experiencing chronic fatigue, their rehabilitation plan may focus on slowly building up daily activities to help them get back to where they were before, with an additional focus on their mental health. The Dead Sea Salt Therapy pool offers a relaxing environment where, supported by the water, users often report a reduction in pain and an ability to move more freely. The release of endorphins associated with keeping active will pay a role in helping patients stay on top of their wellbeing.
