Lyme disease/post-Lyme syndrome

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we provide comprehensive support for people with Lyme disease and post-Lyme syndrome. We take a holistic approach that combines expertise from different areas – from physiotherapy and occupational therapy to exercise training, psychological support and naturopathic treatments. Our aim is to help you regain your strength, alleviate your symptoms and noticeably improve your quality of life.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is mainly transmitted through tick bites. It occurs particularly frequently in the summer months when ticks are especially active. The disease can affect various organs and systems such as the skin, joints and nervous system, and in rare cases also the heart.

A gradual progression is typical: Initially, there is often a ring-shaped reddening of the skin around the injection site, the so-called migratory rash. Later, non-specific symptoms such as fever, headache and aching limbs or tiredness may occur. If the infection is not detected early, it can progress to later stages and cause joint inflammation or nerve irritation, for example.

How is Lyme disease transmitted?

Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. Not every bite automatically leads to an infection. However, the longer the tick sucks, especially for more than twelve hours, the higher the risk of transmission. In Austria, between ten and 30 percent of ticks are infected with Borrelia, depending on the region. Despite this, only a fraction of cases actually result in illness. Direct infection from person to person is not possible.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

The first typical sign is the so-called migratory redness. This is a ring-shaped reddening of the skin that forms a few days to weeks after the tick bite around the site of the bite and spreads outwards. It is not usually accompanied by itching or pain, but should always be checked out by a doctor.

In some cases, flu-like symptoms also occur, such as fever, headache, muscle or joint pain. If the disease progresses further, it can also affect the nervous system. In this case, we speak of neuroborreliosis, which manifests itself through nerve pain, facial paralysis or sensory disturbances. Inflammatory reactions in larger joints such as the knees, known as Lyme arthritis, are also possible. In rare cases, cardiac arrhythmia or chronic skin changes can occur.

What happens if Lyme disease is untreated?

If Lyme disease is not recognized or treated, the infection can spread in the body and cause long-term damage. Chronic inflammation of the joints, persistent nerve problems or even permanent exhaustion are among the possible consequences. The later the diagnosis is made, the more complex the treatment. It is therefore particularly important to seek medical help at an early stage when the first signs appear, such as a red rash or unclear symptoms after a tick bite.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we take Lyme disease very seriously. We support you not only in the acute phase, but also with longer-lasting or chronic courses – with modern diagnostics, individual treatment plans and a holistic treatment approach that focuses on your quality of life again.

What is post-Lyme syndrome?

Some people suffer from persistent symptoms for months or even years after surviving Lyme disease. These include severe exhaustion, concentration problems, muscle or joint pain. These symptoms are referred to as post-Lyme syndrome. The term chronic Lyme disease is also often used, although this is not clearly defined in medical terms. Even if the original infection can no longer be detected in such cases, the effects are clearly noticeable in everyday life for many sufferers.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, our particular focus is on precisely this phase after the acute illness. We support you in overcoming chronic complaints with an individually tailored therapy approach.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

The diagnosis depends on the stage of the disease and is primarily based on the symptoms. In addition, blood tests or, if involvement of the nervous system is suspected, an analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF puncture) can be carried out. It is crucial to recognize possible warning signs at an early stage in order to avoid long-term consequences as far as possible.

How is Lyme disease treated?

In the early stages, Lyme disease can be treated very well in most cases. Targeted antibiotics are used here, which are taken over several weeks depending on the stage and symptoms. It is important to start treatment as early as possible. The earlier treatment starts, the better the chances of recovery. However, antibiotic therapy is not recommended without any detectable symptoms.

If the disease is not recognized in time or if symptoms persist despite treatment, treatment with medication alone is usually not sufficient. In these cases, a more comprehensive, interdisciplinary therapy concept is required that takes physical, mental and functional aspects into account in equal measure.

What to do if symptoms persist or post-Lyme syndrome?

In some patients, the symptoms do not completely subside after an infection has been overcome. Instead, they are left with unspecific but distressing symptoms. These include persistent tiredness, exhaustion, concentration problems, joint or muscle pain. These persistent symptoms are summarized under the term post-Lyme syndrome.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we focus on holistic therapy with a long-term effect in such cases. The following components are central to this:

• Movement therapy to regain mobility and physical stability
• Physiotherapy to alleviate pain, relieve tension and promote joint function
• Occupational therapy, which helps you to cope with everyday life more independently and with less strain on your joints
• Psychological support to deal with exhaustion, mental stress or depressive moods
• Naturopathic procedures and individual nutritional advice to strengthen the body holistically and regulate inflammatory processes

All these measures are interlinked and help you to build up and stabilize your strength in a targeted manner.

When does rehab make sense for Lyme disease or post-Lyme syndrome?

Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation treatment is recommended if the quality of life is noticeably restricted by persistent symptoms. Typical reasons include chronic fatigue, recurring pain, restricted movement or mental stress.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we offer you a tailor-made rehabilitation program that is specifically adapted to your symptoms. We take into account both the physical and psychological aspects of your illness. Our rehabilitation is based on three basic principles:

• Individuality – because every person is different. We develop a therapy concept that is tailored to your personal needs.
• Intensity – we achieve sustainable progress through a closely coordinated program.
• Regularity – continuity is crucial for effectiveness. Our teams of experts will accompany you continuously on your path to recovery.

Whether as an outpatient or inpatient, we will help you regain your strength, mobility and zest for life.

What role does nutrition play in Lyme disease?

A balanced and anti-inflammatory diet can be a useful addition to treatment for Lyme disease or post-Lyme syndrome. Certain foods have a supportive effect on the immune system, while others can have a pro-inflammatory effect.

Recommended are:

• Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
• High-fiber whole grain products
• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, linseed or rapeseed oil
• High-quality plant-based protein sources such as pulses, tofu or nuts

should be reduced:

• Highly processed foods
• Sugar and sweets
• Alcohol
• High-fat meat

Our nutrition experts at the Nuhr Medical Center will be happy to advise you personally. Together we will work out a plan that suits your everyday life and supports your regeneration.

How can I protect myself against Lyme disease?

As there is currently no vaccination against Lyme disease, the best measure is to protect yourself from tick bites. Particularly in the warmer months, caution is advised when walking through woods, meadows or tall grasses. The following tips will help to reduce the risk:

• Wear long, light-colored clothing when you are outdoors. This will help you spot ticks more quickly.
• Use a tick repellent and make sure it is applied correctly.
• After spending time outdoors, check your body thoroughly, especially the back of your knees, armpits, hairline and other warm, protected parts of your body.
• Remove ticks quickly and carefully with fine tweezers or a tick card. The quicker they are removed, the lower the risk of infection.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we are happy to provide you with detailed information on how to deal with tick bites and how to prevent Lyme disease. Our advice is aimed at both at-risk patients and anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.

What can I do myself to support the healing process?

If you have Lyme disease or post-Lyme syndrome, you can do a lot yourself to stabilize your health and improve your quality of life. It is particularly important to be aware of your own strengths and lead a healthy lifestyle. Pay attention to the following points:

• Exercise regularly, but be gentle on your joints. For example, by going for a walk, cycling or doing aqua aerobics.
• Get enough sleep and make sure you have a restful sleep pattern.
• Reduce stress in your everyday life and consciously take time for breaks and relaxation.
• Make sure you eat a balanced diet that supplies the body with all the important nutrients.

At the Nuhr Medical Center, we provide you with individual advice on how to integrate these measures into your everyday life. Our aim is to help you regain your strength, alleviate your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life again.