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Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, is caused by a contagious virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2. There is ongoing research about the lasting side effects of COVID-19, often referred to as "long COVID" or PASC, which stands for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Long COVID is defined as anyone who hasn't recovered after four weeks of illness. These individuals are sometimes called long haulers. Long COVID presents a serious threat to health and function — for some, long after the infection is gone.
Researchers estimate that around 10% of COVID-19 patients — even those with mild cases — develop long COVID. Those with more severe cases, or who needed intensive care, may develop post-intensive care syndrome. These patient groups need a highly personalized plan of care that includes working with a doctor and a physical therapist. Treatment for symptoms that linger after COVID-19 is not simple, and recovery can take a long time.
Why See a Physical Therapist?
Physical therapists can help improve many deficits resulting from the virus or lengthy bed rest. The goal of physical therapy for long COVID is to help people return to their home, work, and other activities as much as possible.
Physical therapists empower people to achieve more movement. Doing the recommended amount of physical activity can reduce your risk for chronic diseases. One study suggests that physically active people have lower odds for severe problems and death from COVID-19. Physical therapy for people recovering from COVID-19 can help restore muscle function and benefit mental health. Research also shows that physical activity reduces the risk of anxiety and depression, as cited in HHS guidelines on physical activity.
Physical therapists work with patients who have COVID-19 in the hospital or intensive care unit to reduce problems. After the initial illness, they provide treatment and services to help people regain their:
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- Balance.
- Strength.
- Mobility.
- Cardiovascular endurance.
- Function.
Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.
Symptom and Condition Guides
Featured Content

Health Tips
5 Ways a Physical Therapist Can Help You Manage Symptoms of Long COVID
As the number of cases of long COVID has grown, it is clear that for many it takes a team of health care providers to support and guide them. Physical therapists help people manage the physical and functional symptoms of long COVID.

Podcast
Physical Therapist Living With Long COVID Shares His Story and Clinical Expertise
Physical therapist Ted Dechane shares what it's like to have long COVID and the best way to address the symptoms from personal and clinical experience?

Health Tips
Physical Therapy for PASC or Long COVID
Most people fully recover from COVID-19. For some survivors though, symptoms of the disease may linger for many weeks or months beyond what is considered the “normal” timeline for recovery.

Did You Know?
Regular Physical Activity Lowers Risk for Severe COVID-19 and Death
A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who exercised 150 minutes per week or more had a much lower risk of death and severe COVID-19. And people who did some physical activity fared better than those who did not exercise.
Additional COVID-19 and Long COVID Content
Mar 17, 2023 | Health Tips
Even a mild to moderate bout with COVID-19 can leave you feeling weak. Some people experience a loss of balance and coordination, a lack of endurance, and memory problems. Appropriate physical activity can help you recover.
Apr 8, 2020 | Health Tips
Although COVID-19 has caused changes to our way of life, we shouldn't let it put a damper on doing healthy activities. Regular physical activity boosts your immune system and may help reduce your risk for a hospital care if you get COVID.
Apr 30, 2020 |
COVID-19 can strike anyone. Its effects can range from mild to severe. Physical therapists and physical therapy will continue to be needed by many long after the illness.
Jul 16, 2020 |
Brian de Castro didn't fit the profile of someone likely to find himself in a life-and-death battle with COVID-19, but he spent two weeks on a ventilator. Physical therapy was key to his recovery.
Jun 4, 2020 |
Molly Smith and Karl Arabian, physical therapists in hospitals in the early epicenters of the COVID-19 pandemic in Seattle and New York City, share stories and advice.