Understanding the Post-COVID Health Impact
Many patients who have gone through infection by COVID-19 have sustained significant impairments in muscle strength, cardiovascular issues, decreased lung capacity, pain, and weakness causing balance, endurance, and altered walking abilities. This can lead to a significant loss of function and independence. Their significant decline in function does not spontaneously recover after their discharge from the hospital or experiencing the illness.
The significant change in health creates a need for skilled physical and occupational therapists, who have been specifically trained in the care of post COVID patients, to assist these individuals to regain their life. PRN Therapists have passed coursework and are specifically trained for the care of post COVID patients through the American Physical Therapy Association.
What is the PACER Program?
The PACER Program stands for Post-Acute COVID-19 Exercise and Rehabilitation (PACER) and is a specific program that helps individuals overcome the long-term effects of COVID-19. The PACER program utilizes individualized physical care plans that restore function After COVID. These plans leverage exercise and rehabilitation with Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Therapy.
Common questions regarding COVID-19 and Physical Therapy care
What exercises are involved in the PACER Program?
The exercise component of the PACER program focuses on upper/lower body strengthening, aerobic conditioning, stretching, respiratory exercises, posture, balance and positional awareness.
What does a PACER treatment entail?
PACER Program treatments start with an individualized evaluation and function assessment, which will help our clinical experts determine a plan that addresses functional losses such as: Manual Therapy to assist with mobility of the spine, chest and extremities
Our clinical team will also assist patients in the understanding their condition and body status and help to educate in activity modification and energy conservation
What should I wear for my PT visits?
During your first visit for physical or occupational therapy, your therapist will perform a thorough examination, in which he or she will review your physician’s recommendations, examine the problem area, ask you questions about your injury, develop an effective treatment plan for rehabilitation, discuss his or her findings with you, and answer any questions you may have. Your treatment plan will depend upon your diagnosis and will be customized specifically for you. Your treatment may include hands-on therapy, a customized exercise program, stretching, and physical agents such as heat, ice, ultrasound and electrical stimulation. Your physical therapist may also recommend a home program that you can do on your own to further assist in your treatment.
What is Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Training (PBFRT)
Blood-flow restriction training (BFRT) involves the use of bands or straps placed over the extremities that limit the amount of blood flow underneath the band when tightened/inflated. BFRT can help patients to make greater strength training gains while lifting lighter loads, thereby reducing the overall stress placed on the limb. BFRT is considered part of the professional scope of practice for physical therapists.
How often will I need to come in for PT treatment?
The frequency of your treatment will depend upon your physician’s prescription and the plan of care developed by your physical therapist. Most patients require treatment two to three times per week. The duration of your treatment will depend upon your injury and your personal progress. Your physical therapist will discuss this with you following your initial exam, and subsequently as you progress.
Do you accept insurances and will insurance cover my therapy?
We accept most major insurances across our family of brands. Before your first visit, our teams will verify in and out of network benefits with your insurance company. The cost of therapy is determined by the benefits of your insurance plan, including the deductible and co-pay, or patient percentage. We will be happy to check with your insurance company to determine the terms of your coverage and payment for patient responsibility is due at the time of service.
If you have a question regarding your medical claims or billed services, please call PRN directly at 1-800-929-4776 option 3. The billing service department will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Which Brands Offer the PACER Program?
PRN Therapists have passed coursework and are specifically trained for the care of post COVID-19 patients through the American Physical Therapy Association.
Our PACER support network includes the following brands
California Rehabilitation & Sports Therapy
PRN Physical Therapy