Living with Long-COVID: How Biokinetics Can Help

The COVID-19 pandemic may feel like it’s behind us, but for many, the effects of the virus linger long after the initial infection. Long-COVID is the name given to a wide range of symptoms that persist for at least four weeks after the acute phase of the illness — and in some cases, for months or even years.

What are the symptoms of Long-COVID?

Patients report a wide variety of ongoing symptoms, which can vary in severity and impact daily life. The most common include:

• Persistent tiredness and fatigue that interfere with everyday tasks

• Post-exercise crashes with intense exhaustion after minimal effort

• Heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath

• “Brain fog” and difficulty concentrating

• Digestive issues such as stomach pain or diarrhea

• Joint and muscle pain, often similar to rheumatic conditions

Long-COVID has also been linked to the reactivation of dormant autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and neuro-retinitis. In fact, blood tests often reveal elevated inflammatory markers similar to those seen in rheumatic diseases.

How does Long-COVID present in rehabilitation practice?

In our practice, we’ve observed Long-COVID contributing to a range of clinical presentations, including:

• Conversion disorder

• Neck pain

• Myalgia (muscle pain)

• Chronic fatigue syndrome–like symptoms

This broad spectrum of complaints highlights how complex Long-COVID can be — and why a structured, tailored approach is so important.

Where do biokineticists fit in?

One of the key challenges with Long-COVID is the positive feedback loop of pain and inflammation. The more inflammation your body experiences, the more pain you feel — which increases stress, raises inflammation further, and so the cycle continues.

Biokineticists are trained to disrupt this cycle. Through carefully designed movement interventions, we help activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and recover” mode of your body. This shift allows the body to reset, reduce inflammation, and ease pain. And yes, the main tool we use is exercise!

What does rehabilitation look like?

Your biokineticist will design an evidence-based intervention that is specific to your condition and progress. This isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, we’ll guide you through a safe, gradual process of regaining strength and restoring your confidence in your body’s abilities.

The benefits of intervention include:

1. Managing general or localised pain – often in collaboration with other allied health professionals

2. Regulating inflammation and stress hormones – helping your body break free from the cycle of inflammation

3. Facilitating a safe return to activity – gradually rebuilding toward your pre-COVID activity levels

Moving forward with hope

Living with Long-COVID can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right guidance, rehabilitation can provide not just relief, but a pathway to regaining independence, resilience, and quality of life.

👉 If you or someone you know is struggling with ongoing symptoms of Long-COVID, our team is here to help you safely begin the journey back to health.