NYC's First COVID Rehab Clinic Opens In Midtown

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — A nonprofit has opened what it calls the first coronavirus rehabilitation facility in the state, treating so-called "long-haulers" who continue to suffer from the aftereffects of the virus months after they contracted it.

The clinic opened Thursday at H&D Physical Therapy, on Second Avenue between 43rd and 44th streets. It is operated by the Pulmonary Wellness Foundation and led by Dr. Noah Greenspan, a cardiopulmonary physical therapist.

In the coming months, the clinic hopes to treat "thousands" of long-haulers — patients who recovered from the virus but still suffer from symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing, trouble concentrating, heart palpitations and difficulty sleeping, organizers said in a news release.

The clinic itself as New York's first private COVID-19 rehab facility, although hospitals including Mount Sinai have started centers for post-COVID care.

The foundation already operates an online "bootcamp," training long-haulers in breathing and other therapeutic exercise programs, in which more than 1,000 patients have already participated, according to the foundation.

"For many long-haulers, COVID has proven to be a respiratory condition superimposed on a cardiac condition, superimposed on a neurological condition, superimposed on a GI condition," Greenspan said in a statement.

"And while there are still so many more 'unknowns' than 'knowns,' we are beginning to see patterns in patients and definitely beginning to see signs of hope for improvement."

Patients visiting the clinic will have their blood pressure and oxygen levels monitored throughout their sessions and can be given extra oxygen if they need it, Greenspan said.

Patients can schedule appointments by visiting the clinic's website or calling 212-499-0848.