How EECP Supports Long COVID Symptoms in Portland
Long COVID can persist long after the acute infection has resolved, with a range of lingering symptoms, including shortness of breath, cognitive challenges, and circulatory dysfunction. At Om Integrative Medicine, patients in Portland exploring Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) therapy are finding a non-invasive option that supports systemic circulation and oxygen delivery, a foundational component of recovery for many long COVID patients. EECP is recognized for its potential to improve blood flow and support multiple organ systems, which may help address some long COVID-related effects.
What EECP Is and How It Works
EECP, also called External Counter Pulsation or ECP, is an FDA-approved, non-invasive therapy that enhances circulation without surgery or medication. During treatment, patients lie comfortably on a table while three sets of inflatable pressure cuffs are wrapped around the calves, thighs, and buttocks. These cuffs rhythmically inflate and deflate in sync with the heartbeat, gently compressing blood vessels and promoting improved blood flow back to the heart. Over time, this process can help restore nourishment and oxygenation to tissues that may have become underperfused due to circulatory limitations.
This increase in blood flow not only supports heart function but also improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the liver, kidneys, brain, eyes, and extremities. The therapy encourages blood vessels to form natural bypasses around narrowed or plaque-ridden areas caused by age or stress, creating collateral circulation that improves overall vascular health.
EECP and Long COVID
EECP is traditionally used for conditions such as angina, chest pain, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease. It has also shown promise as a supportive therapy for long COVID.
Persistent symptoms of long COVID may stem from suboptimal circulation and oxygen delivery, which can contribute to cognitive fog, shortness of breath, and generalized malaise in some individuals. By improving blood flow to both central and peripheral tissues, EECP supports fundamental physiological processes, oxygenation, metabolic exchange, and organ perfusion that are essential for recovery.
Because EECP enhances circulation throughout the body rather than only addressing one system, it aligns well with the multi-system nature of long COVID. Improved vascular function may help the brain receive more oxygen, support cardiovascular stability, and improve overall organ function.
Treatment Protocol and Experience
EECP therapy is typically administered in a series of daily sessions over several weeks. Each session is comfortable and non‑invasive, making it accessible to people of various ages and levels of physical activity. Patients with inactive lifestyles or limitations due to chronic conditions may experience significant circulatory benefits during treatment, with some reporting effects equivalent to multiple hours of exercise from a single session.
At Om Integrative Medicine, EECP is integrated into an individualized care plan designed to support each patient’s unique recovery journey. The decision to include EECP is based on a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the therapy aligns with the patient’s health status and long COVID symptom profile.
Why Circulation Matters for Long COVID
Long COVID affects people in diverse ways, but impaired circulation and oxygen delivery are recognized contributors to many persistent symptoms. When blood flow is improved, every organ system benefits from more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients. This can support brain function, cardiovascular health, and overall resilience. Although EECP is not a cure for long COVID, its approach of restoring circulatory function can help address underlying physiological challenges that may be exacerbating symptoms.
Conclusion
Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a safe, FDA-approved, non-invasive therapy offered at Om Integrative Medicine that supports systemic circulation and oxygen delivery throughout the body. Because long COVID symptoms often involve circulatory and oxygenation challenges, EECP may be an important component of an integrative care plan to support recovery and overall function.
To learn more about how EECP therapy may support long COVID symptoms, contact Om Integrative Medicine to speak with a staff member about individualized treatment options and next steps.