Not Feeling Like Yourself? It Could Be Long COVID.

Long COVID & COVID Spike Proteins

If you’re living with unexplained fatigue, brain fog, or lingering symptoms, it may be Long COVID. At Crossroads Healing Arts, our providers stay on the forefront of emerging research to guide your recovery with clarity and compassion.

Understanding the Lingering Effects of COVID-19

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID - also called long-haul COVID or post-COVID conditions - refers to symptoms that continue or reappear weeks to months after a COVID-19 infection and, in some cases, after vaccination (referred to by some post-vaccination syndrome).

These symptoms are surprisingly common and can affect nearly every system in the body.

How Common is Long COVID?

According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 adults in the United States is living with health issues linked to a past COVID-19 illness or vaccination with more than 200 million people worldwide facing ongoing effects.¹

If your symptoms aren’t going away, you’re not alone and at Crossroads Healing Arts, we’re here to uncover the root cause and guide you toward lasting relief.

Long COVID Signs & Symptoms

Long COVID doesn’t look the same for everyone. Symptoms can change, overlap, or evolve over time, often flaring up and then easing before returning again. Some people experience only one or two ongoing issues, while others face a wide range that affects daily life.

While over 200 symptoms of Long COVID have been reported, the most common symptoms include:

Persistent fatigue or low energy
Brain fog, memory lapses, or difficulty concentrating
Shortness of breath or difficulty exercising
Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
Headaches or dizziness
Muscle and joint aches
Digestive problems
Anxiety, depression, or mood changes
Sleep disturbances

If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be a sign that Long COVID is impacting your health.

Long COVID & Spike Proteins

What is a Spike Protein?

The “spike protein” is the part of the COVID-19 virus that allows it to enter your cells. In most people, the spike protein disappears once the infection clears. But in some, research shows it can stick around much longer than expected. When spike proteins linger, they can keep the immune system switched “on.” This can lead to ongoing inflammation, changes in circulation, and problems with energy production, causing many of the symptoms people associate with Long COVID, such as fatigue, brain fog, or chest discomfort.

Why Your Spike Protein Load Matters

For most, the body clears the spike protein with no lasting issues. But for others, it may linger and cause:

Chronic inflammation that keeps the body in “fight mode”
Low cellular energy (mitochondrial dysfunction) leading to fatigue
Circulation or blood clotting problems that affect oxygen delivery
Brain fog and neurological changes that disrupt memory or focus
Irritation in organs, including the heart and brain

Did you know? Scientists have found COVID spike protein antibodies in some people who never tested positive for COVID but did receive the vaccine. A small number of these individuals experience what researchers call Long Post-COVID Vaccination Syndrome (LPCVS) or Post-Vaccine Syndrome. So even if you never had a confirmed infection, COVID spike proteins may still be part of your story.²

Research Spotlight: COVID Spike Proteins

Scientists around the world are working to understand Long COVID and why it affects some people more than others. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of spike protein load as a potential key to better understanding Long COVID:

Spike protein persistence: Circulating spike proteins were detected in about 60% of Long COVID patients up to 12 months after infection, compared with none in people who fully recovered.³

High prevalence of ongoing symptoms: In a study of more than 270,000 COVID survivors, common symptoms included fatigue (13%), brain fog (8%), chest pain (13%), and abnormal breathing (19%).⁴

Tissue reservoirs: Researchers have discovered spike proteins lingering in tissues such as the gut, brain borders, and bone marrow, sometimes years after the initial illness.⁵

Immune system activation: Spike proteins can interact with the immune system, triggering inflammation, clotting issues, and disruption of mitochondrial (energy) function.⁶

Our Approach

Long COVID is a complex and evolving condition, and no two patients experience it the same way. Our team actively reviews the latest studies and translates that knowledge into customized care designed for your specific needs.

We start with advanced blood testing to measure whether viral spike proteins are still present in your system. Detecting these proteins can provide critical insight into whether lingering viral remnants are contributing to your symptoms.
While there isn’t yet a single test that can diagnose Long COVID, spike protein levels serve as an important marker. Combined with your symptoms and medical history, this testing helps us determine if your ongoing challenges may be linked to the long-term effects of COVID-19.
Curious about how spike proteins play a role in Long COVID? Scroll down to learn more about the research behind this approach.
Spike protein testing is just the beginning. Long COVID can affect multiple systems in the body, which is why our team takes a whole-person approach to evaluation. We look beyond the surface of your symptoms to identify underlying imbalances that may be driving your condition.
Your evaluation may include:
- Immune system function — measuring inflammatory and autoimmune markers that may explain persistent fatigue or pain.
- Mitochondrial and metabolic health — since mitochondria fuel your cells, disruptions can directly impact energy and endurance.
- Gut and microbiome health — imbalances here are often linked to digestion, mood, and immune regulation.
- Neurological and cognitive function — to better understand brain fog, memory issues, or difficulty concentrating.
- Cardiovascular health — assessing circulation, small blood vessel function, and oxygen delivery that influence breathing and exercise tolerance.
This thorough evaluation gives us a complete picture of how Long COVID is impacting your body so your care plan can be tailored with precision.
No two patients experience Long COVID in the same way. That’s why every treatment plan at Crossroads Healing Arts is designed around your unique test results, health history, and personal goals. Our goal is to not only reduce symptoms but also restore long-term health and resilience.
Your customized plan may include:
- Nutritional and lifestyle support — targeted dietary changes, hydration strategies, and movement pacing to reduce flare-ups and rebuild energy.
- Targeted supplements and IV nutrient therapy — replenishing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to aid recovery at the cellular level.
- Anti-inflammatory and immune-balancing therapies — calming the immune system to ease fatigue, pain, or brain fog.
- Mitochondrial and energy restoration protocols — supporting the body’s “powerhouses” to improve stamina and reduce post-exertional crashes.
- Neurofeedback and brain support therapies — retraining brainwave patterns to improve focus, memory, and mood.
- Stress management, sleep optimization, and pacing strategies — restoring balance to the nervous system and supporting deep recovery.
Because Long COVID impacts everyone differently, our role is to walk alongside you - providing answers, clear direction, and a personalized plan that supports real healing over time.

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Benefits of Long COVID Treatment

Living with unexplained symptoms can feel overwhelming. Testing for spike proteins and working with a provider who understands Long COVID gives you answers and a clear path forward. Patients who take this step often benefit from:

Improved energy, focus, and stamina — feel more like yourself again as your cells regain their ability to produce and use energy efficiently.

Stronger vascular and mitochondrial health — supporting circulation, oxygen delivery, and cellular repair.

Reduced inflammation and symptom flares — targeted support helps calm immune overactivation and restore balance.

Better nervous system regulation — easing anxiety, heart palpitations, and fatigue through mitochondrial recovery.

Support for immune and cellular resilience — addressing lingering viral effects and oxidative stress that may contribute to future health risks.

Proactive protection against post-viral complications — by improving immune balance and vascular function, treatment may help reduce the likelihood of issues sometimes seen after prolonged inflammation.

*Crossroads Healing Arts does not guarantee outcomes or results from any services discussed on this website. Individual experiences and results may vary.

Why Choose Crossroads Healing Arts

At Crossroads Healing Arts, we know that Long COVID is complex and often misunderstood. Our providers stay up to date on the latest peer-reviewed research, and we bring together advanced testing, integrative therapies, and compassionate care to support every aspect of your recovery.

Here’s what sets us apart:

We use advanced bloodwork, including spike protein testing and other key lab markers, to uncover the hidden drivers of your symptoms. We live by the motto “test, don’t guess.”
Our team looks at how Long COVID affects your immune system, brain, heart, metabolism, and more, creating a plan that addresses your health from every angle.
From blood draws to IV nutrition therapy, many of the services you need are provided right here in our clinic, making your care seamless and convenient.
We take the time to listen, explain your results clearly, and adjust your plan as your body heals—so you always feel supported and understood.
Our focus isn’t just on easing symptoms today; we work with you to build lasting resilience and help restore your quality of life.

If your symptoms began during or after a COVID-19 infection (or after vaccination) and have lasted more than 4–12 weeks, Long COVID may be the cause. Other conditions can mimic these symptoms, which is why testing and a comprehensive evaluation are so important.
No. Many patients never had a positive test but still developed Long COVID symptoms. We evaluate based on your history, symptoms, and lab results.
Testing begins with a simple blood draw done in our in-house lab. The process is quick, safe, and comfortable. Our team will walk you through everything and let you know if any preparation is needed.
Yes. While there isn’t one universal cure, many of our patients see significant improvements in symptoms with the right combination of testing, lifestyle support, supplements, therapies, and monitoring. Our goal is to help you feel better and get back to your normal life.
Yes, in some cases, ongoing symptoms have been reported after vaccination, sometimes referred to as Long Post-COVID Vaccination Syndrome (LPCVS). Our providers stay current on the latest research and evaluate each case individually.