Back in 2021, Altea published an article on this topic, focusing primarily on clarifying the terminology and distinguishing it from conventional medicine. Building on this, the current article focuses on specific complementary therapies in connection with long-term effects of the virus and the current state of research on their effectiveness.
Complementary and alternative therapies are used to relieve pain and improve quality of life for many chronic conditions. This is evident in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, for example: data from the Swiss MS Registry show that nearly half of those affected have used complementary therapies. The most common reason for using these therapies, cited by almost 45% of respondents, was to improve their own quality of life. These therapies were most commonly used to treat symptoms such as fatigue, stress, weakness and pain.
Complementary therapy approaches are also becoming increasingly important in the treatment of long-term effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As there is currently no specific causal treatment available, medical care is predominantly symptom oriented. As symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, many sufferers use complementary methods to alleviate their symptoms, improve their well-being and support their recovery.
A wide variety of complementary therapies are available
Complementary therapies cover a wide spectrum. The best-known and most popular therapeutic approaches for long-term effects of the virus include:
- Physical therapy and respiratory therapy
→ Targeted physical exercises and breathing techniques help to reduce muscle weakness, improve lung function, and gradually increase physical endurance.
- Occupational therapy
→ Occupational therapy measures help those affected to cope with everyday activities in an energy-efficient manner, and to manage fatigue and cognitive impairments.
- Mind-body and relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi)
→ These methods promote stress reduction, body awareness, and coping with exhaustion and psychological stress.
- Psychoeducation and behavioral therapy approaches
→ Psychological support helps to classify symptoms, cope with anxiety and stress, and develop effective self-management strategies.
- Nutritional counselling
→ A personalized diet can help stabilize energy levels and support overall well-being.
- Acupuncture
→ Acupuncture is used by some people as a complementary treatment, especially for pain, sleep disorders, or exhaustion.
Many people combine several of these methods and adapt them to their individual symptoms and resources.
Scientific findings
Complementary and alternative therapies are gaining increasing attention as potential methods for Long COVID symptoms. However, comprehensive analysis of the current evidence-based findings in this area remains limited. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in the US and the National University of Singapore therefore evaluated 14 randomized controlled trials involving 1,195 participants, to gain an initial understanding of the efficacy, safety and potential applications of these approaches.
The evaluation shows that, in addition to the more well-known therapies, those affected have also used lesser-known approaches. The study shows that these therapies were primarily used for neuropsychiatric disorders (mental and nervous system dysfunction), smell disorders, cognitive impairments (memory and concentration problems), fatigue, breathlessness, and mild to moderate pulmonary fibrosis. These include self-administered vagus nerve stimulation via the ear (non-surgical electrical stimulation to support the nervous system), neuro-meditation (meditation exercises for the brain and nervous system), certain dietary supplements, smell training, aromatherapy, inspiratory muscle training (breathing muscle training) and online programs for breathing exercises and general well-being.
Positive effects were observed in relation to typical long-term symptoms of the virus, such as fatigue, breathing difficulties, smell disorders and cognitive impairments. No serious side effects were reported in the studies, suggesting that the treatment is generally well tolerated. However, the authors also emphasize that the results should be interpreted with caution, given that the studies differed in terms of methodology and that some only included a small number of participants. The research highlights the potential of complementary therapies to support improvements in well-being and quality of life. Nevertheless, further research is required to make more informed recommendations.
