How can Osteopathy help with Long Covid
Understanding long COVID
Long COVID refers to symptoms or health effects that persist for more than 12 weeks after a COVID-19 infection. Many people recovering from COVID-19 continue to experience lingering symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, chest tightness, muscle pain, and reduced exercise tolerance. These ongoing symptoms can significantly impact daily life and overall wellbeing.
Why breathing matters in long COVID
Emerging research suggests that changes in breathing patterns — known as dysfunctional breathing - may play an important role in long COVID symptoms. When breathing becomes inefficient or over-effortful, it can contribute to shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and feelings of anxiety, even when lung tests appear normal.
How manual therapy can help
Manual therapy can help improve movement of the ribs, spine, and diaphragm - key structures involved in breathing. It may also support lymphatic drainage and help calm the nervous system, both of which are thought to be relevant in long COVID. These hands-on approaches aim to reduce physical strain on the body and improve overall function.
A whole-person, individualised approach
Research highlights the importance of a multifaceted treatment approach. Osteopathic care often combines manual therapy with breathing retraining, gentle movement, pacing strategies, and relaxation techniques. This person-centred model recognises that long COVID affects the body as a whole (physically and mentally).
What to expect in an osteopathy appointment
An osteopathy appointment typically begins with a thorough discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and how long COVID is affecting your daily life. Your osteopath will assess your breathing patterns, posture, movement, and areas of tension or restriction.
Treatment may include gentle hands-on techniques to support breathing mechanics, mobility, and nervous system regulation. You may also be guided through simple breathing exercises or given advice around pacing, rest, and self-care strategies to support your recovery between appointments. Care is always tailored to your individual needs and comfort.
What this means for you
While further research is ongoing, current evidence suggests that osteopathic care may offer meaningful support for people experiencing persistent symptoms after COVID-19, particularly when treatment is individualised and combines hands-on care with active self-management.
