Arkansas Heart Hospital is proud to launch the state’s first post-COVID pulmonary rehabilitation program. The comprehensive outpatient treatment, offered through Strong Hearts Rehabilitation Center, will serve qualifying individuals experiencing symptoms for at least four weeks. It will be one of five medical facilities in the U.S. to offer services the special rehabilitation services.
Strong Hearts Rehabilitation Center Director, Amanda Xaysuda, oversees the program. She explains that the program’s goal is to help patients get back to their normal activities.
“We see patients that come in and they just want to get back to the quality of life that they had before that diagnosis,” she said. “We’re gradually working on getting them back into their routine, working on their specific symptoms, their goals that they have for life and their functional movements and capacity – this is really the goal of what we’re trying to do.”
Post COVID Symptoms
According to studies, half of those infected by COVID-19 experience lingering health conditions, such as:
- Continued coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty exercising
- Heart palpations
- Chest pains
- Joint pain
- Memory or concentration problems
- Sleeping problems
- Muscle pain or headache
- Loss of smell or taste
- Depression or anxiety
- Dizziness when you stand
Making A Life-Changing Difference
“For many Arkansans, the negative effects of COVID-19 extend well beyond the initial infection phase,” said Dr. Bruce Murphy, CEO of AHH. “This unprecedented outpatient program will help those still impacted by the virus return to and enjoy everyday life.”
Xaysuda said the program may be challenging but will really make life-changing difference for those suffering with post-COVID symptoms, such as inability to exercise.
“A lot of the research that has come out recently about exercise intolerance in these types of patients is it’s not something that is easily done, but it’s not something these patients have to live with for the rest of their life,” she said.
Arkansas Heart Hospital will offer the post-COVID pulmonary rehab program at its flagship Little Rock campus, Encore Medical Center in Saline County and community clinics in Conway and Russellville.
Pulmonary Rehab Services
Qualifying patients will undergo a full health assessment prior to receiving services, then visit their designated clinics for three days per week for 12 weeks. Patients will receive myriad services from AHH’s in-house team to help mitigate and control their symptoms, such as monitored one-on-one or group exercise regimens, breathing re-trainings and more. AHH will also refer individuals for additional specialty services, as needed.
Medicare and select private health insurance companies will cover the services for qualifying individuals. Those interested in scheduling an appointment may call 501-978-3780 or email stronghearts@arheart.com.
Arkansas Heart Hospital was recently named one of the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals by Newsweek, for the fourth consecutive year. It operates two hospitals and community clinics across the state.