What is it?
Post-COVID syndrome (Long COVID) involves persistent symptoms lasting 4+ weeks after COVID-19 infection. Common symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, and reduced exercise tolerance. Physiotherapy is central to safe, progressive recovery.
Common causes
- Persistent inflammation and immune dysregulation
- Deconditioning from prolonged illness or hospitalisation
- Post-exertional malaise — symptoms worsening after activity
- Possible direct organ effects on the lungs, heart, and nervous system
Signs and symptoms
- Severe fatigue disproportionate to activity
- Breathlessness at rest or with minimal exertion
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle weakness and reduced exercise tolerance
- Palpitations and dizziness on standing (orthostatic intolerance)
Physiotherapy treatment at VPARC
- Energy conservation and pacing strategies (the foundation of Long COVID rehab)
- Very gradual graded activity programme — never push through crashes
- Breathing retraining for dysfunctional breathing patterns
- Postural correction for orthostatic symptoms
- Return-to-activity planning with clear symptom monitoring
What you can do at home
- Prioritise sleep, rest, and stress reduction above all else
- Use the "stop before symptoms worsen" rule — rest before fatigue hits
- Track symptoms in a diary to identify triggers and patterns
- Do not compare your recovery to others — Long COVID varies enormously
When to visit VPARC
Visit VPARC if you are struggling to return to normal activities more than 4 weeks after COVID-19. A graded, monitored rehabilitation programme is far safer than attempting to push through symptoms independently.
Call +91 98896 78838 or read more on our Neurological Physiotherapy in Varanasi page. This leaflet is general information and does not replace a medical assessment.