Long Covid

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How can Oxygen Therapy help?

Some of the symptoms associated with Long COVID closely mimic such conditions as Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME as well as MS, which are characterized by persistent fatigue, ‘brain fog, weakness, joint pain, depression, and non-restorative sleep.

Many of our MS, ME and CFS clients find relief from their symptoms through regular Oxygen Therapy sessions. In clients we have treated the more common symptoms such as fatigue, “brain fog”, insomnia and neurological effects respond well to Oxygen Therapy.

What are the benefits of Oxygen Therapy?

Oxygen therapy is an effective, and safe means of treating and managing the various symptoms associated with MS, ME/CFS. Oxygen Therapy is currently being used and studied as an effective form of treatment for lingering COVID-19 symptoms due to its ability to:

  • increase oxygen concentration in all body tissues
  • stimulate growth of new blood vessels, improving the blood flow to areas with any arterial blockage
  • increase blood vessel diameter, improving blood flow to compromised organs, rebound arterial dilation
  • stimulate adaptive increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) - an internally produced antioxidants and free radical scavengers.
  • enhance white blood cell action to aid the treatment of infection

How do I start treatment?

Initially you will need to contact us on 0131 554 5384 to discuss the registration, assessment, and the treatment process.

How long is the treatment?

We are participating in a national study directed by Dr Tim Robbins and his colleagues at the NHS University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire into the benefits of oxygen therapy for people living with Long COVID.

Oxygen Therapy is administrated according to a treatment protocol. Safe time and dose limitations have been established for pressurized oxygen exposure and these form the basis of our treatment protocols. To maximize the benefits from oxygen therapy you will need several sessions, as the protocol recommends. This is to achieve oxygen saturation or oxygenation and maximize benefits.

Latest research into Long COVID recommends 20 consecutive sessions at 2ata (2 atmospheres). Each treatment is a 90- minute session in the hyperbaric chamber. We do 5 sessions a day - Monday through Friday, and there can be up to 6 clients in the chamber at any one time, but it is more often less.

We ask our clients to participate in this study by completing a short Fatigue Questionnaire. The information gathered should help inform, and build a body of knowledge around Long COVID, and hopefully improve future health interventions and support.

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Latest Research

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of long COVID: early evaluation of a highly promising intervention | RCP Journals

Testimonials

"I was diagnosed with M.E. / CFS in 2012.  The illness left me with extreme exhaustion, joint pain, muscle spasms and I would sleep for days on end without feeling refreshed. After meeting with Fife ME Support Group, I was advised to try Oxygen Therapy, I did some research and contacted the Centre.  

I have now been attending Oxygen Therapy for 4 years now and am amazed at the results.  I still have absence days from work but only 3 days maximum at a time, not 3 months.  I have also stopped taking Gabapentin as the muscle spasms have vastly subsided. 

The staff at the centre are incredible, they are knowledgeable and are very supportive.  Not only have I found treatment that helps me to cope with my illness on a day-to-day basis, but I have also found a very special group of friends within the centre, not only with the staff but with other clients who attend."

Diane, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Client

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists provide a unique contribution to the management of people living with Fibromyalgia. They can teach you exercises that will improve your strength, flexibility, and stamina. Gentle low-impact exercise, such as yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi can help maintain bone mass, improve balance, reduce stress, and increase strength. Getting regular exercise can also help in reducing the pain of fibromyalgia.

Our physical activity programmes begin by establishing your physical activity capability level, then developing a programme with you that does not worsen your symptoms.

Moving your body may be the last thing you feel like doing, but you have to believe that it really does help. It’s hard at first, but it does get easier.

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Complementary Therapies

Complementary approaches used together with conventional medicine are generally accepted as improving overall physical and mental wellbeing.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help reduce many types of chronic pain, so it's not surprising that many people with fibromyalgia are interested in trying it. Acupuncture works with the nervous system in the body to regenerate cells and promote healing.

The use of specific acupuncture points can create a closed circuit between the point and the neurologic control centre in the brain. By giving the body and brain the necessary tools, the two can work in conjunction to heal the body.

From a scientific perspective, acupuncture shifts and moves energy, while stimulating blood flow and increasing cellular level oxygen.

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Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR)

This is a hands-on treatment performed on the skin with no oils or creams. By following the unique lines of tension in each patient’s body, the MFR therapist can reach deeply into the tissues and uncover significant restrictions.

MFR involves applying gentle, sustained pressure into these connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. By going slowly and waiting for the body’s natural rhythm, the fascia responds by elongating, rehydrating, and reorganizing. 

If you're having trouble finding relief for your Fibromyalgia pain, it may be worth trying MFR.

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Aromatherapy Massage

Massage can be used for the relief of pain and musculoskeletal symptoms of ME/CFS.

It can be relaxing and may help general well-being. Massage is often used in combination with aromatherapy, and has been shown to significantly lower anxiety and depressed mood, and also improve self-esteem.

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More Information

Fibromyalgia can be difficult to treat, and a combination of treatments may be necessary to control your symptoms. If you're having trouble finding relief for your symptoms, it may be worth trying complementary therapies. But if your symptoms don't begin to improve within a few weeks, it may not be the right treatment for you

 

Further support and information:

https://www.fibromyalgiaforums.org/

https://www.fmauk.org/

Fibromyalgia Information Booklet: https://www.versusarthritis.org/media/1251/fibromyalgia-information-booklet.pdf

Food and Nutrition for Fibromyalgia: https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/fibromyalgia/foods-avoid-fibromyalgia

Pacing Booklet: https://www.actionforme.org.uk/uploads/pdfs/Pacing-for-people-with-me-booklet-Feb-2020.pdf

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.