If you’re still experiencing fatigue, breathlessness, or muscle pain weeks or months after recovering from COVID-19, you’re not alone. This lingering condition—known as Long COVID or post-COVID syndrome—affects up to 10–30% of people who’ve had COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization.
At Shellharbour Health, our physiotherapists provide evidence-based, personalised rehabilitation to help long COVID patients safely rebuild strength, manage symptoms, and return to everyday life.
Common Long COVID Symptoms
Long COVID can affect multiple body systems. Patients often report:
- Persistent fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Exercise intolerance
- Brain fog and dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or low mood
These symptoms may fluctuate and are often worsened by physical or mental exertion.
How Physiotherapy Supports Long COVID Recovery
1. Fatigue Management and Energy Pacing
Post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE)—where symptoms worsen after physical or mental activity—is common in long COVID. Physiotherapists help patients use energy conservation techniques, including:
- The “Four Ps”: Prioritise, Plan, Pace, and Position
- Activity diaries to track symptom patterns
- Rest-activity cycling to avoid “boom and bust” fatigue cycles
Evidence: A 2021 study in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine emphasised pacing as a key strategy for managing fatigue in post-viral syndromes, including long COVID.
2. Breathing Retraining and Respiratory Support
Disordered breathing patterns (such as shallow or upper chest breathing) are frequently seen in long COVID patients—even those without a history of respiratory illness.
Physiotherapists use:
- Diaphragmatic breathing exercises
- Pursed-lip breathing
- Breathing pattern re-education
Evidence: Research from the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) supports physiotherapy-based breathing retraining to reduce dyspnoea and improve quality of life in long COVID patients.
3. Individualised Graded Exercise Therapy
Physical deconditioning is common after extended illness or inactivity. Physiotherapy helps patients:
- Rebuild strength and endurance gradually
- Monitor heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perceived exertion
- Avoid overexertion or re-injury
Note: Graded exercise must be tailored and symptom-led, not one-size-fits-all. Overexertion can worsen symptoms in many long COVID cases.
Evidence: NICE guidelines (UK, 2021) do not recommend standardised graded exercise therapy (GET) for long COVID but support individualised and monitored physiotherapy when appropriate.
4. Musculoskeletal and Postural Rehabilitation
After prolonged rest or inactivity, many patients experience:
- Muscle stiffness
- Joint pain
- Poor posture or balance
Physiotherapists provide:
- Gentle manual therapy
- Mobility and flexibility exercises
- Ergonomic and postural advice
Evidence: The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (UK) highlights the role of physio in restoring musculoskeletal health post-COVID, especially in those with pre-existing pain conditions.
5. Vestibular and Cognitive Support
Some patients experience:
- Dizziness or imbalance
- Brain fog or concentration difficulty
Physiotherapy may include:
- Vestibular rehabilitation for balance and dizziness
- Cognitive pacing strategies
- Coordination and dual-task training
Why Choose Shellharbour Health for Long COVID Physiotherapy?
At Shellharbour Health, we deliver:
- One-on-one care tailored to your symptoms
- Gentle, safe, and science-backed progression
- Compassionate support from experienced physiotherapists
- Collaboration with GPs and other healthcare professionals where needed
We proudly support patients from Shellharbour, Oak Flats, Albion Park, Warilla, and surrounding suburbs.
Book Your Long COVID Assessment Today
You don’t need to “push through” long COVID on your own. Our physiotherapy team at Shellharbour Health can help you recover safely and sustainably.
Book online or call us today to start your personalised long COVID recovery plan.
