Free Yoga Initiative Begins 3/6 + New Long COVID

Colleagues,

This e-bulletin was developed with expert input from Body Politic, one of the partners of the just-announced Long COVID Alliance, in order to share an important initiative from one of our partners, International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).  

Give Back Yoga University (GBYU) and the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) have joined forces on an innovative initiative to help address the emerging public health issue of Long COVID.

Below you will find details about this yoga initiative along with important guidance for individuals and providers to understand the latest information and resources available for people with Long COVID and providers who care for them.

March 6 – Yoga Project Begins – Details Below

Early evidence suggests that up to one in ten people infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have symptoms that persist beyond 12 weeks. Although research is still in its infancy, many people report debilitating symptoms that linger for months. As global healthcare systems struggle to meet changing demands, treatment pathways to manage these life-altering symptoms are limited, leaving patients and healthcare providers with little support to navigate healing.

Well-Being After COVID offers educational resources and therapeutic yoga practices aimed specifically at these symptoms, including gentle movement, breathing exercises, and meditation. This integrative, patient-centered approach complements traditional healthcare services with practical tools to help build resilience and manage stress. The practices are adaptive enough that they can be integrated into care, regardless of current levels of mobility and physical strength.

The project, which begins March 6, offers free research-informed resources tailored for patients AND for the providers who serve them:

• Video calls to educate yoga and healthcare professionals on current evidence and best practices in using therapeutic yoga to manage symptoms and effects of illnesses like COVID-19
• Gentle yoga classes for patients, which include information and adaptive practices to help manage pain, rebuild muscle strength, increase respiratory capacity, and ease anxiety
• Livestream presentations to support deeper exploration of key topics

More resources will be added in the coming months.

GBYU is the newly created educational division of the well-established and respected Give Back Yoga Foundation.

IAYT is the world’s largest international association of yoga therapists and allied professionals.

For more information about Well-Being After COVID or its sponsor organizations, contact Laurie Hyland Robertson or Chelsea Roff.

Relevant Patient and Provider Resources – Long COVID Alliance

Below are important resources and information for individuals and providers, recommended by Body Politic, a member of the newly announced Long COVID Alliance.

• The just-announced Long COVID Alliance is a network of patient-advocates, scientists, disease experts, and drug developers who have joined together to leverage their collective knowledge and resources to educate policy makers and accelerate research to transform our understanding of post-viral illness.
• The Long COVID Physio website and podcast was started by physical therapists with Long COVID. They offer peer support to PTs, other healthcare providers and support workers living with Long COVID, and provide educational materials and podcast discussions on Long COVID rehabilitation. 
• Many Long COVID patients are experiencing worsening of symptoms after physical activity, which is often described by patients as relapses, crashes or post-exertion malaise according to a recent survey conducted by the Patient Led Research for COVID-19.
• Understanding Post-Exertion Malaise. Long COVID patients and providers are learning about post-exertion malaise from ME/CFS experts. Learn more from a recent publication by NIH researchers: Characterization of Post–exertional Malaise in Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
• Managing Post Exertion Malaise: #ME Action’s “Stop, Rest, Pace” campaign is teaching Long COVID patients pacing techniques to manage worsening of symptoms after activity. Read their pacing handout here.
• Provider Education: CDC recently hosted a webinar on Long COVID clinician experiences. Additionally, the US ME/CFS Clinical Coalition offers relevant resources created by a group of clinicians who specialized in this area before the pandemic.
• Support Group: The Body Politic COVID-19 support group offers patients and providers a support group for individuals recovering from COVID-19 (regardless of test status). They also offer resources on their website for Long COVID patients on navigating work transitions and disability benefits, how to navigate doctor’s appointments, and more.