Evidence-Based Approaches for Long COVID Recovery

At Taproot Therapy Collective, we offer specialized support for individuals experiencing the complex neurological, immunological, and psychological effects of Long COVID. Our integrative approach addresses both the physiological and emotional dimensions of this challenging condition:

• Somatic Trauma Therapy: Helps identify how illness trauma and ongoing symptoms are stored in the body. This gentle approach supports nervous system regulation and can help reduce some of the autonomic nervous system dysfunction common in Long COVID, including heart rate variability issues and temperature dysregulation.
• Brainspotting: Addresses the neurological and emotional impacts of severe illness, including the trauma of hospitalization, breathing difficulties, and the uncertainty of recovery. This approach can help process medical trauma while supporting the brain's natural healing potential.
• QEEG BrainMapping: Provides objective data about brain function that may be affected by Long COVID. This assessment helps identify specific patterns of dysregulation that can inform targeted treatment strategies for symptoms like brain fog, memory issues, and cognitive fatigue.
• Neurostimulation: Non-invasive techniques that can help modulate neural activity in regions affected by Long COVID. This approach may help with symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and mood changes by supporting healthier brain function.
• Mindfulness Meditation: Research-supported practices adapted specifically for chronic illness. These techniques help reduce the stress response that can exacerbate Long COVID symptoms while building capacity to manage the uncertainty and fluctuations common in this condition.
• Hardy Micronutrition: Addresses potential nutritional deficiencies and supports immune function, neurological recovery, and energy production. Specific nutrients can help counter the oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to Long COVID symptoms.

Understanding Long COVID and Related Conditions

Long COVID intersects with several other health conditions and psychological challenges, creating complex clinical pictures that require integrated approaches:

• PTSD and Medical Trauma: Many Long COVID patients, especially those who experienced hospitalization or severe acute illness, develop post-traumatic stress symptoms. The experience of life-threatening illness, breathing difficulties, and medical procedures can create lasting trauma requiring specific treatment.
• Depression: Up to 40% of Long COVID patients develop clinical depression. This is caused by both neuroinflammatory processes affecting brain function and the psychological impact of persistent illness, loss of function, and uncertainty about recovery.
• Anxiety: Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and health anxiety are common in Long COVID. The unpredictable nature of symptoms, concern about permanent disability, and neuroinflammatory processes all contribute to increased anxiety requiring targeted intervention.
• Autonomic Dysfunction: Many Long COVID patients experience dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in symptoms like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), blood pressure fluctuations, and temperature dysregulation that require specific therapeutic approaches.
• Chronic Fatigue/ME: The post-exertional malaise and profound fatigue of Long COVID resemble Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Managing activity levels while supporting nervous system regulation requires specialized approaches that honor both physical limitations and recovery potential.
• Identity and Role Disruption: Long COVID often forces significant life changes, including occupational changes, relationship adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. This existential dimension requires therapeutic support for grief, identity reconstruction, and finding meaning within new limitations.

Our Long COVID Support Specialists