Although most children who become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 experience mild cases of illness, some develop serious symptoms. As with adults, these children are vulnerable to a disorder known as long COVID. The prolonged symptoms can cause a reduction in normal physical function or an inability to progress at the expected rate. A pediatric therapy center in Glendale, AZ can come up with a variety of strategies on how to help this.
Considerations
Children with older siblings at home may be able to avoid reduced physical function since they are more likely to have someone engaging in active play with them. That’s true even when the kids don’t feel totally well. Otherwise, youngsters who frequently miss school due to symptoms and aren’t playing with neighborhood kids may fall behind. It’s a similar case with other illnesses that linger on for two or three months.
Relevant Research
Fortunately, research shows that long COVID is rare in young children. Those who do develop the disorder tend to recover faster than adults do. Nevertheless, some youngsters deal with symptoms for a longer time frame. Over the course of a few months, they can lose ground in motor skill maintenance and development because of fatigue and inactivity.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
A pediatric therapy center in Glendale, AZ might provide physical and occupational therapy for these youngsters to bring them up to speed. The practitioners make the activities fun so the kids look forward to these appointments. It feels more like play than work. In addition, improvement in their physical abilities gives them a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-confidence.
