Post-COVID Fatigue? Get Back on Track With Movement Therapy
Still feeling tired weeks or even months after getting over COVID? You’re not the only one. Many people deal with something called post-COVID fatigue, and it can make simple tasks like walking to the mailbox feel hard.
This isn’t just normal tiredness. It’s a type of post-viral fatigue that can affect your body and brain. But the good news is that Movement Therapy for Post-COVID Fatigue can help you feel better. It’s a safe way to get your energy back, step by step, with help from trained professionals.
What Is Post-COVID Fatigue and Why Does It Linger?
Post-COVID fatigue is more than just being tired. It’s a deep, lasting exhaustion that can make daily tasks feel hard, even after you’ve recovered from the virus. It’s often linked to long COVID, which includes a mix of symptoms that can last for weeks or even months. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many people still feel the effects 12 weeks or more after infection.
Common signs of post-COVID fatigue include:
Body aches – Your muscles or joints may hurt, even without heavy activity
Brain fog – You might have trouble thinking clearly or focusing
Shortness of breath – Walking or climbing stairs can leave you winded
Poor sleep – You may feel tired all day but struggle to sleep at night
Extreme tiredness – Even after rest, you still feel weak
This kind of fatigue doesn’t go away with a nap. You need a guided approach like movement therapy to recover safely.
Why Rest Alone Isn’t Enough for Recovery
It’s natural to want to rest when you’re feeling exhausted. But too much rest for too long can slow your healing. Without movement, your body weakens and daily tasks get harder.
Too much rest can lead to:
Weak muscles
Stiff joints
Poor sleep
Lower energy
Slower recovery
That’s why Physiotherapy In Penrith recommends starting with safe movement therapy to rebuild your strength the right way.
What Is Movement Therapy?
Movement therapy is a gentle, step-by-step way to help your body heal after illness. It’s led by trained professionals like Exercise Physiology. These experts know how to support people with fatigue, especially those recovering from COVID.
It’s not about pushing hard. It’s about doing just enough to help your body adjust without making symptoms worse.
How Movement Therapy Helps With Post-COVID Fatigue
Movement therapy can:
Strengthen weak muscles
Improve your breathing
Help you sleep better
Lower stress and brain fog
Small movements each day help your body slowly return to normal. PENRITH Physiotherapy often includes this approach in recovery plans for clients managing long-term fatigue.
Physiotherapy near Penrith providers also note that movement therapy can support mental health, giving people a sense of progress when they’ve felt stuck.
Safe Movement Strategies That Actually Work
These tips help many people dealing with post-COVID fatigue:
Pace yourself – Break activities into short parts and rest before you crash
Stretch lightly – Keep muscles from tightening up
Try seated exercises – Move gently on low-energy days
Walk slowly – Pay attention to how your body feels
Deep breathing – Helps calm your body and improve oxygen flow
Use a fatigue diary – Track patterns so you know what works
Psychology In Penrith professionals say these simple tools make a big difference when done regularly.
Why Work With an Exercise Physiologist
If you're feeling dizzy, worn out, or stuck in your recovery, don’t go it alone. An exercise physiologist can help you move forward safely.
Work with one if:
You crash after activity
You feel off-balance
You’re recovering from COVID
You want support from home
You need a plan that matches your energy
Physiotherapy near Penrith teams often include psychologists and mental health professionals to give you full support during recovery.
What to Avoid During Recovery
Don’t do intense workouts too soon
Don’t ignore warning signs like brain fog or fast heartbeats
Don’t follow random online advice
Don’t push through fatigue—it can slow healing
PENRITH Physiotherapy reminds clients: recovery takes time. Go slow, listen to your body, and ask for help when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is post-COVID fatigue normal?
Yes, it’s common. Many people feel tired for weeks or months after COVID.
Can exercise make post-COVID fatigue worse?
Yes. Doing too much too soon can make you feel worse. Small steps are safer.
What’s the difference between movement therapy and regular exercise?
Movement therapy is slower and gentler. It’s made for people still healing.
Who leads movement therapy?
An exercise physiologist or recovery expert helps guide your plan.
How soon will I feel better with movement therapy?
It depends. Some feel better in weeks, others take more time.
Can I do movement therapy from home?
Yes. You can use telehealth or get help at home.
Start Your Recovery With Help From PFHS
Movement Therapy for Post-COVID Fatigue works best when guided by experts. If you’re still struggling with energy, strength, or focus, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
PFHS Physiotherapy offers personalised care through Physiotherapy In Penrith and movement support, both in-person and via telehealth.
Need help building your recovery plan?
Contact Us today.