Recovered from COVID but still exhausted after climbing one flight of stairs? Breathless during your usual walk? Struggling with brain fog and muscle weakness months after your test turned negative? You may have Long COVID — and structured long COVID rehab Bengaluru physiotherapy is now the WHO-endorsed recovery pathway. This guide walks you through the exact protocol.
What Long COVID Actually Is
Per WHO's post-COVID-19 condition fact sheet, Long COVID affects 10–20% of infected individuals with:
- Persistent fatigue lasting >12 weeks
- Breathlessness during light activity
- Cognitive dysfunction ('brain fog')
- Muscle weakness / deconditioning
- Post-exertional malaise (worse the day after exertion)
- Sleep disturbance and mood changes
- Persistent chest tightness or palpitations
The Golden Rule: Pacing, Not Pushing
The biggest mistake Long COVID patients make is 'boom-bust' cycling — pushing hard on good days, crashing for a week. Physiotherapy for Long COVID is unique:
- Start FAR below your perceived capacity
- Progress by 10% per week — NEVER faster
- Track heart rate — stay in symptom-safe zone
- STOP at first sign of post-exertional malaise
- Rest days are non-negotiable, not optional
- Every setback restarts you at 80% of previous level
The 4-Phase Long COVID Protocol We Follow
Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Symptom Control
Diaphragmatic breathing 3×/day, gentle mobility, sleep hygiene, hydration protocol. Heart-rate monitoring during any activity. Manual therapy for chest and thoracic tightness.
Phase 2 (Weeks 4–8): Aerobic Base
5–10 min low-intensity walking, indoor stationary cycling with HR cap, breathing-pattern retraining. Symptom check before every session.
Phase 3 (Weeks 8–16): Progressive Loading
Gradually increase duration (never intensity first). Introduce light resistance training with body weight. Home program with self-monitoring.
Phase 4 (Weeks 16+): Return to Full Activity
Return to previous exercise routine, work demands, and sport with weekly review. Continued pacing habits critical to prevent relapse.
Red Flags — Stop and See a Doctor
- New or worsening chest pain
- Palpitations with dizziness
- Sudden severe breathlessness at rest
- Fainting or near-fainting
- Significant leg swelling (rule out DVT)
- Cognitive decline that worsens rather than improves
- Any new neurological symptoms
Home Visits — Ideal for Long COVID
Home-visit physiotherapy is the preferred model for Long COVID because:
- Eliminates travel exhaustion
- Real ergonomic and activity assessment
- Family members can support and observe
- Session pacing adjustable to your good/bad day
- Perfect for people who cannot yet drive or commute
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start Long COVID physiotherapy?
Wait until acute symptoms are gone (fever, active infection). Persistent fatigue >4 weeks with breathlessness is time for structured pacing physio.
Will pushing hard help me recover faster from Long COVID?
No — pushing worsens Long COVID. Pacing (never exceeding your symptom-safe threshold) is the proven approach.
How long does Long COVID recovery take?
Highly variable. Most patients see improvement in 12–16 weeks with structured pacing. Some require 6+ months.
Do you offer home Long COVID physiotherapy in Bengaluru?
Yes — home visits across all major Bengaluru areas. Ideal for those with post-exertional malaise.
How much does Long COVID physiotherapy cost in Bengaluru?
₹1,000–1,500 per session. 16-week program: ₹15,000–30,000. Insurance-reimbursable with a doctor's referral.
Your Energy Will Come Back — With the Right Pace
Long COVID is real, treatable, and improves with structured graduated rehab. Book with our clinician today and start the WHO-recommended pathway.
