Post-Covid Rehab: How Physiotherapy Supports Long Covid Recovery

Introduction:

Months after recovering from COVID-19, many people are still living with lingering symptoms that impact daily life. Fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, and brain fog are just a few of the common issues linked to Long Covid — a condition that has left many unsure where to turn for support.

What’s often overlooked is that physiotherapy can play a key role in post-Covid rehabilitation. At our rehabilitation clinic in Galway, we’re seeing more patients who need help regaining their strength, energy, and confidence in their bodies after COVID.

If you're struggling to bounce back, here’s how physiotherapy may help.

What Is Long Covid?

Long Covid, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome, refers to symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks after the initial infection — even if the original illness was mild.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Muscle or joint pain

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

• Chest discomfort or palpitations

• Sleep problems

• Anxiety or low mood

No two cases of Long Covid are the same. That’s why recovery needs to be individualised — and that’s where physiotherapy comes in.

How Physiotherapy Supports Long Covid Recovery

Physiotherapists are trained to help people recover from illness, manage fatigue, improve breathing, and return to normal activity levels safely. Here's how post-Covid physio can support your recovery:

1. Graded Exercise and Activity Pacing

One of the biggest challenges with Long Covid is post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE) — where pushing yourself too hard can lead to a crash in energy levels.

A physiotherapist can help you:

• Understand your activity thresholds

• Pace your day to balance rest and movement

• Gradually rebuild stamina with graded activity plans that work with your body, not against it

2. Breathing Retraining

COVID-19 can impact respiratory function, even in non-hospitalised cases. If you’re feeling short of breath during simple tasks, breathing techniques taught by a physiotherapist can help restore more efficient, relaxed breathing patterns.

Physiotherapy may include:

• Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing

• Breathing control during activity

• Positioning for breathlessness relief

3. Muscle Weakness and Deconditioning

Long periods of inactivity during illness or recovery can lead to muscle loss and joint stiffness. A physiotherapist will assess your strength and movement, then build a customised exercise plan to help you regain flexibility, balance, and control.

This might involve:

• Low-intensity strength work

• Gentle stretching

• Mobility and coordination exercises

4. Cognitive and Neurological Support

If you’re experiencing “brain fog” or coordination issues, physiotherapy can complement your recovery with movement-based cognitive stimulation, gentle balance training, and guidance on managing mental fatigue.

5. Emotional Support and Self-Management

Living with Long Covid can feel isolating and frustrating. Your physiotherapist becomes part of your support system, offering guidance, reassurance, and strategies for coping with uncertainty.

You'll also be given practical tools to manage your symptoms at home — from energy conservation tips to sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques.

What to Expect at a Post-Covid Physio Appointment

At our Galway rehabilitation clinic, your first session will include:

• A full assessment of your current symptoms and activity levels

• Questions about your medical history and Long Covid timeline

• Personalised goal setting based on your lifestyle and needs

• A step-by-step plan that adjusts with your progress

We take a gentle, patient-led approach — ensuring that you feel safe, supported, and in control of your recovery.

Who Can Benefit from Post-Covid Physiotherapy?

You may benefit from physiotherapy if:

• You’re still feeling exhausted weeks or months after COVID

• You’ve noticed a drop in fitness, mobility, or strength

• Breathing feels harder than it used to

• You're unsure how to safely return to activity or work

• You want expert guidance and support during recovery

Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Recover Alone

Long Covid can feel unpredictable, but recovery is possible — especially with the right support. Physiotherapy offers a personalised, evidence-based path forward, helping you move safely, breathe easier, and reclaim your energy over time.

If you’re in Galway and need help with your Long Covid recovery, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.