Virtual Physical Therapy for Long COVID Recovery and Chronic Illness
ReStory provides specialized telehealth rehabilitation for individuals living with persistent pain, complex multisystemic illnesses, and Long COVID—also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Current research indicates that approximately 10% to 30% of people who contract COVID-19 may experience lingering symptoms for months or years.
If you have tried traditional physical therapy in a setting that did not understand or accommodate your needs, you are not alone. Dr. Arlyn has extensive experience in energy-limiting conditions and dysautonomia. She welcomes all levels of complexity to her practice, and truly respects the invisible loads you carry as someone living with chronic illness.
Recognizing Long COVID Symptoms
Long COVID is a multisystemic condition that affects everyone differently. There are a variety of common symptoms that we address through virtual physical therapy.
Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM):
A significant crash or worsening of symptoms following minimal physical, cognitive, or emotional effort.
Dysautonomia and POTS:
Rapid heart rate, dizziness, and lightheadedness when changing positions.
Respiratory Challenges:
Persistent shortness of breath or air hunger during daily tasks.
Cognitive Dysfunction:
Commonly called brain fog, involving memory lapses and difficulty concentrating.
Chronic Fatigue:
A deep, systemic exhaustion that is not improved by rest.
Specialized Support for Complex Symptoms
Our program is designed to provide a safe alternative to traditional high-intensity rehabilitation, which can often be detrimental to Long COVID recovery
and other energy-limiting conditions.
Energy Envelope Management:
We provide data-driven strategies to help you identify your daily energy limits. This prevents the push-crash cycle and helps stabilize your baseline function.
Trauma-Informed Care:
We provide a clinical environment that validates your journey. Our sessions prioritize emotional safety and patient agency, addressing the medical gaslighting many chronic illness patients have faced.
Symptom-Guided Movement:
Rather than rigid exercise protocols, we help you build flexible movement plans that adapt to your energy limits, POTS / dysautonomia, and physical function.
Support for Chronic Pain and Energy-Limiting Conditions
We work extensively with individuals navigating conditions that are often misunderstood by the traditional healthcare system.
Chronic Pain Management:
Gain strength, mobility, and powerful skills to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS:
Specialized strategies for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that respect your physical limits.
Dysautonomia and POTS:
Virtual techniques to safely address blood flow issues and autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
A Sustainable Approach to Rebuilding Function
Our virtual care model prioritizes symptom management and collaboration with your medical team to ensure a safe recovery environment.
Conditions We Help
Chronic, Energy-Limiting Conditions
Dr. Thobaben has worked extensively with individuals navigating complex, often misunderstood conditions such as Long COVID, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and POTS. Her approach respects your limits, helps you master pacing, and prioritizes symptom management—so you can rebuild function without the cycle of pushing and crashing.
Bariatric Support
If you’re preparing for or recovering from bariatric surgery—or pursuing non-surgical weight loss—you deserve movement guidance that feels empowering and attainable. With board certification in Orthopedics and over 10 years of experience in bariatric care, Dr. Thobaben is uniquely equipped to help you overcome barriers and build a sustainable movement practice—without shame or pressure.
Chronic Pain
If you’ve been living with pain for months or years, you’re not alone—and you haven’t failed. While you may have already tried PT, injections, or surgery without lasting relief, there is still hope. Dr. Thobaben has completed advanced training with the leading experts in chronic pain, and welcomes all levels of complexity to her practice. Through virtual care, you can gain strength, mobility, and powerful skills to reduce pain.
Chronic Illness Support FAQ's
How does virtual PT help with Long COVID fatigue?
Virtual PT begins with practical guidance and prioritization of energy conservation and pacing, to reduce the frequency and intensity of post exertional symptom crashes. This will help to stabilize and locate your baseline, which allows you to begin rebuilding your capacity.
What is Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)?
Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM), also known as post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE) or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), is a worsening of your symptoms after physical or mental exertion, and often affects multiple body systems at once. This might look like intense fatigue, brain fog, pain, flu-like symptoms, among other symptoms.
Can you treat Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS through telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth is ideal for energy-limiting conditions as it removes the physical stress of travel and allows for sessions in a comfortable environment.
How do you treat POTS or dysautonomia virtually?
Although you may have heard of various protocols to treat POTS and dysautonomia through exercise and conditioning, it is important to acknowledge energy-limits, chronic fatigue and PEM that often coexist. We work together to build a symptom-guided movement program that helps regulate the autonomic system and builds your capacity gradually and safely.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to start treatment?
No. We evaluate your specific symptoms and functional limitations to create a personalized plan, regardless of a formal diagnosis.
How long does it take to see results with chronic conditions?
Recovery from long-term illness is non-linear. We focus on gradual, sustainable improvements in function and pain management over time.
We Offer Complimentary Consultations
Book your free consultation with Dr. Thobaben to share your goals and explore how ReStory can support your healing journey.
