Post-COVID physical therapy

Physical Therapy for Post-COVID-19 Recovery: Regain Strength, Breathing, and Balance

The role of physical therapy after COVID-19 is often underestimated, yet it is one of the most effective ways to recover from the lingering effects of the illness. Many people experience ongoing fatigue, breathing problems, and muscle weakness long after testing negative — a condition often referred to as Long COVID or post-COVID syndrome.

Persistent Symptoms After COVID-19

Over the past few years, doctors and scientists worldwide have noticed an increasing number of patients reporting health issues lasting weeks or even months after infection. These symptoms can vary but most commonly include:

• Reduced respiratory function – shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and decreased exercise tolerance, indicating that the coronavirus can significantly affect the lungs and breathing muscles.
• Chronic fatigue and weakness – patients often experience exhaustion even after minor physical effort.
• Joint and muscle pain – soreness, stiffness, and general body aches are frequent complaints.
• Balance and coordination problems – difficulties with walking, dizziness, or loss of stability may persist.
• Cardiac and neurological symptoms – irregular heartbeat, headaches, or brain fog are also common.

Importantly, these complications can appear not only in people who had severe illness and were hospitalized but also in younger or otherwise healthy individuals with mild symptoms.

Why Physical Therapy Is Crucial in Post-COVID Recovery

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes physical therapy as a key component of post-COVID rehabilitation. Early and individualized therapy helps restore breathing patterns, rebuild endurance, improve muscle strength, and prevent long-term complications.

Three Levels of Post-COVID Rehabilitation

Post-COVID recovery often takes place in three stages, depending on the patient’s condition and needs:

• In-Hospital Rehabilitation – basic breathing and strengthening exercises help maintain lung capacity and prevent complications during hospitalization.
• At-Home Recovery – occupational and physical therapy focus on regaining independence in daily activities, improving endurance, and reducing fatigue.
• Outpatient Physical Therapy – individualized treatment plans address ongoing issues such as shortness of breath, general weakness, pain, and balance problems.

How We Help at PDR Physical Therapy & Wellness Center

At PD Rehab in Mount Prospect, IL, we provide personalized post-COVID rehabilitation programs designed to help patients regain normal function and confidence in their bodies.

Our therapists combine multiple evidence-based methods to support recovery:

• Manual Therapy (Fascial Counterstrain) – a gentle, precise technique that restores balance in the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems, helping reduce pain, tension, and fatigue. Learn more about Fascial Counterstrain.
• Therapeutic Exercise Programs – customized breathing, stretching, and strengthening exercises that enhance lung efficiency, coordination, and endurance.
• Modalities – including cold laser therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and Kinesio taping to decrease pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.

Each treatment begins with a detailed evaluation to identify the main causes of dysfunction and create a personalized plan that promotes safe and efficient recovery.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Recovery after coronavirus can be slow and emotionally challenging. However, starting physical therapy early — as soon as your doctor allows and you feel ready — significantly improves outcomes. Timely rehabilitation restores physical strength, reduces anxiety, and helps you return to your normal activities sooner.