What is Long COVID and How Long Does it Last?
Long COVID refers to symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection, affecting multiple body systems. The condition varies greatly between individuals—symptoms can change, fluctuate, and differ in severity over time. Recovery timelines are highly individual and influenced by many factors, but with a proactive management plan, people can reduce the severity of their symptoms and gradually improve their function and quality of life.
Recognising the Wide-Ranging Symptoms of Long COVID
While the list of potential symptoms is long, physiotherapy is well-placed to help with many of the most common ones.
- Overwhelming Fatigue: A level of tiredness that is disproportionate to the activity performed.
- Respiratory Issues: Shortness of breath, persistent cough, and chest tightness.
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Aches in the muscles and joints. Specifically low back pain is a recognised symptom for many.
- Neurological Problems: “Brain fog”, difficulty concentrating, headaches, dizziness, and pins and needles are all some symptoms associated with long covid
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia)
How to Bounce Back: Managing Post-COVID Exercise Intolerance
Exercise intolerance is a common symptom of Long COVID, where even mild activity can lead to fatigue or symptom flare-ups. Unlike traditional recovery approaches that encourage “pushing through,” this method can be counterproductive and delay progress.
Instead, a graded return to activity- focuses on a safe, gradual increase in movement. Our tailored exercise programmes are designed using a graded phased approach to rebuild strength, stamina, and confidence at a sustainable pace, helping you recover without causing setbacks.
When Can You Start Exercising After COVID?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much exercise is right after Long COVID, it depends entirely on your individual symptoms and recovery stage. A professional assessment helps determine a safe and appropriate starting point.
At Recover Physio, we guide you through a gradual process of returning to exercise, first focusing on mobility and how the body, especially the pelvis, moves. From there, we work on core activation and progressively build toward functional exercises, tailored to your individual goals.
Can Physiotherapy Help You Recover from Long COVID?
Yes, physiotherapy can help with Long COVID. While it isn’t a cure, physiotherapy provides the tools, strategies, and treatments needed to manage symptoms effectively and support recovery. Our experienced team develops carefully tailored programmes that address your specific challenges, combining hands-on therapy with active rehabilitation. This approach complements each other and helps restore movement, reduce symptoms, and build confidence in your daily activities.
Our Approach: A Personalised Roadmap to Your Recovery
Our Long COVID Treatment Interventions include:
- Physiotherapy to help relieve fatigue and aching muscles.
- Breathing exercises that you can continue with at home or at work.
- A tailored exercise programme to help you regain strength and improve energy levels.
- Sleep strategies to aid rest and recovery.
- A ‘back to fitness’ programme to help you return to your favourite sports and activities.
Speak to a Therapist
If you would like to discuss long COVID symptoms and treatment to find out how we can help, you can speak to one of our friendly therapists. Just click below to request a callback from a member of our team.
Alternatively, if you would like to get going with your treatment straight away you can book an Initial Assessment online by clicking the link below.
