Lehigh County Health & Medicine Fall/Winter 2020 - 6

FEATURE

Those who contracted the virus but avoided
hospitalization can still experience a rapid
heartbeat and endurance issues.

more comfortable they are, the more they can
concentrate on getting well. "

Telehealth rehabilitation has taken on a
" Because of COVID's ability to damage the newfound role in the era of COVID-19. In
lungs, another key is training patients how to spring 2020, the federal government relaxed
breathe through a variety of techniques, " said regulations, which allowed physical, occupational
Kelley Limbauan, PT, DPT, NCS, a physical and speech therapy to be performed through
therapist who specializes in treating COVID- secure video platforms.
recovering patients both in-person and virtually
Telehealth options have helped people receive
from the Good Shepherd Health & Technology
Center in Allentown. " Some patients need outpatient rehabilitation in a number of ways,
help with pacing their breathing, while others Limbauan said.
can benefit from using a pursed-lip breathing
" The fact that outpatients can start their care
technique as they recover. Body posture and
early on when they still need to self-quarantine
relaxation also can offer relief. "
is important, " Limbauan said. " Additionally, the
In addition to the physical impact of COVID, quicker they receive care, the lesser the effects of
muscle wasting. Everyone is at a different level
there can be a psychological one, too.
of what they are comfortable with. Having a
" Some of these patients felt like lepers, even telehealth option has made some patients seek
with their own families, " Golden said. " It is care when they would not have come to a clinic
important to create a rehabilitation environment because they were uncertain about leaving home. "
where they feel just like everyone else. The

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6 Lehigh County Health & Medicine | FALL / WINTER 2020

Telehealth also offers a peek into patients'
home lives, where rehabilitation experts can
literally look for potential fall hazards and other
challenges that they wouldn't necessarily know
about while treating patients in a clinic.
" It is a great way to problem solve specific
problem areas they are facing at home in real-life
situations, " Golden said.
Arlene Dalessio is an example of telehealth
helping a COVID-recovering patient. Uneasy
about attending in-person appointments after her
discharge from Good Shepherd Rehabilitation
Hospital in Allentown, Arlene continued her
outpatient rehabilitation from home via video.
She worked with Good Shepherd clinicians on
building stamina, balance and strength, and
reducing shortness of breath.
" It's wonderful, " Dalessio said of telehealth
rehabilitation. " I can do it right in my house -
and it works. "

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Lehigh County Health & Medicine Fall/Winter 2020

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