Some people continue to experience symptoms after a COVID-19 infection. The CDC refers to this as Long COVID, and symptoms can vary widely from person to person. They may include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, sleep problems, dizziness, muscle or joint pain, anxiety, depression, or symptoms that worsen after physical or mental effort.
Long COVID is not something massage therapy diagnoses or treats. If you think you may have Long COVID, or if symptoms are new, worsening, or hard to explain, speak with a healthcare provider. The CDC has current information about Long COVID signs and symptoms.
Long COVID and massage therapy
Massage therapy may be supportive for some people dealing with muscle tension, stress, guarded breathing patterns, poor sleep, or general body discomfort after illness. The goal is not to “fix” post-COVID syndrome. The goal is to provide careful, comfort-focused bodywork that respects the client’s current energy level, symptoms, and medical history.
For some clients, this may mean lighter pressure, slower pacing, shorter sessions, extra time for position changes, or a session focused mostly on relaxation and nervous system calming.
Why communication matters
Post-COVID symptoms can fluctuate. A person may feel better one day and worse the next. Because of that, communication before and during the session is especially important.
Tell your massage therapist if you are experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, unusual pain, recent fever, blood clot history, heart or lung concerns, or symptoms that worsen after activity. This helps the therapist decide whether massage is appropriate, how the session should be adapted, or whether medical clearance is the better first step.
When to seek medical care first
Do not use massage as a substitute for medical evaluation. Seek medical care first if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, new weakness, severe dizziness, symptoms of a blood clot, fever, unexplained swelling, or symptoms that are getting worse.
Massage therapy should also be postponed if you are actively sick, contagious, or recovering from a recent fever or infection.
A careful approach at Massage by Bertone
At Massage by Bertone, sessions are adapted to the client’s comfort, health history, pressure preference, and current condition. For clients recovering after illness, the session may focus on relaxation, gentle soft-tissue work, breathing comfort, and reducing unnecessary muscle tension.
If you are unsure whether massage is appropriate for your situation, check with your healthcare provider first. If massage is appropriate, we can plan a session that is conservative, respectful, and responsive to how you feel that day.
To schedule a session, visit the appointment page.
Updated wellness note
Updated August 2026: This post is informational and is not a substitute for medical care. If your healthcare provider has cleared massage, a slower therapeutic session may help with comfort, stress reduction, and recovery routines. Learn more about therapeutic massage or contact me through the appointment page.
