Post COVID Recovery

What is covid?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is part of a diverse family of viruses which causes illnesses such as the common cold. It has been found that the virus is spread from an infected person via their mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak and breath. Following the guidelines from the world health organisation (WHO) and Government recommendations regarding respiratory etiquette, helps minimise the spread of infection.

What is long covid?

Long covid is a condition referred to when an individual experiences COVID signs and symptoms for more than 4-12 weeks.
Most people who develop COVID fully recover, however it has been suggested that 10%-20% of people experience a variety of mid to long term effects after they recover from their initial infection.

Commonly reported symptoms include but are not limited to

  • Cough

  • Chest pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Breathing difficulty

  • Tachycardia

  • Fatigue

  • Headaches

  • Joint Pain

  • Muscle aches

  • Brain fog

  • Runny nose

  • Vomiting

  • Tingling sensations

  • Dizziness

  • Depression

  • Appetite loss

  • Nausea

  • PTSD

  • Anxiety

  • Fever

Post COVID rehabilitation and long COVID relief

New Zealand Physiotherapists have been working closely with counterparts overseas to find out more about long COVID, and the best ways to provide support for post-COVID rehabilitation.


Physiotherapists that provide support are skilled in multiple areas and can help manage symptoms of long COVID, particularly in the following areas:

Respiratory symptoms
They are able to assess and help manage breathing dysfunction and provide strategies to help restore normal breathing patterns. This can have an effect on oxygen levels, congestion clearing, persistent coughing, energy levels and fatigue.

Return to exercise
When exercising after being infected with COVID or with long COVID symptoms, individuals may report being unable to do the level of exercise they were able to do before or feeling easily tired when doing simple tasks. Physiotherapists are able to help monitor the body's response to physical exercise and provide an individualised plan when exercising. They will be sure to work with your symptoms and provide a safe and progressive rehabilitation plan.

Musculoskeletal symptoms
Muscle and joint pain associated with long COVID can be attributed to a number of factors such as being inactive during recovery, muscle weakness, or problems that have developed or become worse since being infected with COVID 19.
Physiotherapists are able to provide soft-tissue techniques or use a range of instruments during their appointments to help manage pain and discomfort.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from long COVID, or would like a post-COVID rehabilitation appointment with a Physiotherapist, then please call (09) 950 6801 to book with Jatan Patel.