A CREWE-BASED physiotherapist and independent prescriber is urging people not to ignore the symptoms of long Covid after recovering from the virus himself.

Rick Carter says he is treating many patients for problems associated with long Covid in his Crewe clinic.

One of few private practitioners in the UK qualified to prescribe medication, the father-of-three, was affected by coronavirus last year and recalled: "I was hit hard by the virus in October. I've recovered other than lingering issues with fatigue so I can totally empathise with patients feeling frustrated by ongoing issues.

"Initially there was talk of long Covid actually being a 'thing', but evidence has shown millions to be suffering. Last week's ONS survey has suggested at least one in five people have symptoms which limit their daily activities for over a month after initial infection."

Rick says low mood, brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches are all issues that affect long Covid sufferers and they are difficult to separate out from other conditions that may have similar symptoms.

"It's complex and needs time, patience, care and continuing support from our network of local and national healthcare professionals," he added.

"All our therapists spend time exploring the nature of our clients conditions and often Covid continues to cause issues many months after the virus has been contracted."

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey pointed to common problems including fatigue, headaches, coughs, sore throats and muscle pain. Tiredness was the one most experienced with some people surveyed unable to walk very far at all.

Rick runs ctchealthcare, whose registered physiotherapists are working alongside psychologists and hypnotherapists to treat patients for the physical and mental symptoms of long Covid including low mood and trouble sleeping.

Mr Carter, who is trained to prescribe medication such as pain killers and anti-inflammatories to help enhance patient recovery, added: "We pride ourselves in completing episodes of care, thinking beyond the symptoms which present themselves in clinic.

"Over the years we have encouraged a more holistic approach - caring for the whole person – mind, body and soul.

"Prevention is very much regarded 'better than cure' and companies that we work with see the benefits of supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of employees.

"With long Covid now a national issue we urge patients and workplaces to recognise the symptoms and seek help."

ctchealthcare has been working in health and wellbeing provision across Cheshire and Staffordshire for nearly 27 years.

Rick, who has worked with the Premier League as well as local sides, including Crewe Alex, Port Vale and Stoke City, began as a one man physiotherapy clinic working from a GP surgery in Crewe.

The company now has clinics in Crewe, Nantwich, Stafford and Stoke providing physiotherapy, sports massage, acupuncture and a range of complementary and holistic therapies.

For more information on long Covid recovery programmes call 01270 361363 or visit www.ctchealthcare.co.uk