Long COVID and muscle pain: A complete guide
Written by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist.

Contents

What is long COVID?
Some people whose symptoms persist more than 12 weeks after a COVID infection develop post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, known as long COVID. And it’s like that stubborn house guest who won’t leave—even after the virus is gone, your body continues to experience different symptoms.Also read: Long COVID: Symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options
Can long-term COVID cause muscle pain?
Certainly. Research shows as many as 40 percent of people with long COVID experience muscle pain, technically called myalgia. The virus can spur inflammation in multiple systems, including in muscle tissues, resulting in lingering angst and discomfort.What does COVID myalgia feel like?
Imagine you have just finished doing an intense workout—without doing it actually. Our studies show that many people report:- Deep, sharp pain radiating through their muscles
- Pain that increases with activity, usually burning or pulsing in quality
- Tightness, especially in the morning
- Lasting fatigue that makes even mundane tasks difficult
Experiencing these symptoms? Speak with a doctor within 15 minutes.
How do you relieve muscle pain from COVID-19?
Effective management of muscle pain requires a multifaceted approach. They are also a type of trained professional: There are many types that can help:- Acupuncturists: Insert needles to relieve pain.
- Massage therapists: Use hands-on techniques, including massage, to relieve pain.
- Doctors: Can prescribe you over-the-counter or prescription-strength medication.
- Physical therapists: Utilise movement and rehabilitative exercise that may ease pain.
- Personal trainers: Although they don’t address pain directly, these professionals create and supervise reconditioning workouts that help prevent future pain.
- Gentle stretching and mobility
- Over-the-counter medications (check with your health care provider first)
- Staying hydrated and well-nourished
- Sleep as a prelude to the next act
- Therapy to heat-tighten muscles
- Cryotherapy for controlling pain and swelling
How long will joint pain last after COVID?
Recovery times vary widely. Some people recover normal function in a few months, but many have symptoms for a year or longer. According to research, 30% of long-COVID patients continue to experience painful joints six months after their initial infection.Also read: How long are you contagious with COVID?
When to consult a doctor?
Get medical care if you have any of the following:- Attacks of debilitating pain disrupting everyday life
- New or worsening symptoms
- Muscle pain accompanied by difficulty breathing
- Loss of strength, or strange weakness or inability to move
- Continuous pain that does not go away with home treatments and rest
What to take for COVID body aches – Home remedies
- Bathing in Epsom salt
- Using essential oils (peppermint or eucalyptus)
- Practices like gentle yoga or tai chi
- Taking time each day to think about meditation and stress reduction
- Good sleep hygiene
- Engaging in some form of light physical activity
How long do COVID body aches last?
In most cases, people find that acute COVID-19 body aches will be gone in 2–3 weeks. However, in long COVID, muscle pain may still be experienced for months. So, what is to be done? Be patient and rely on the same management strategies for self-care. Living with long COVID requires adaptation and support. For example, one must:- Manage everyday things
- Join a support group
- Attend physical therapy
- Keep track of symptoms
- Make sure family and health professionals are aware of what is going on
Living with long COVID
In some cases, the muscle aches are just the start. Long COVID may leave you feeling fluey and achy all the time, as if your body is backfiring. Many of us have been debilitated by agonizing muscle suffering and begged for release. Doctors say that some long-haulers are struggling with such profound muscular issues that they are unable to walk. To relieve symptoms, they may require massive amounts of NSAIDs, whether in capsule form or as a lotion. Additionally, long COVID may cause:- Tiredness that lasts indefinitely
- Mental fog and difficulty thinking
- Shortness of breath
- Fluttering heart
- Gastric distress
- Inadequate sleep
Can long COVID be prevented?
There is no surefire way to prevent long COVID, but several studies imply the following:- Vaccination reduces the odds of getting it
- Early treatment of COVID-19 might help
- Maintain your health via good eating, exercise, and other habits
- Stress management and calmness
- Appropriate sleep quality appears to be essential, especially during the initial infection stage
Getting oral antivirals
If the Hippocratic Oath had been less strict, oral antivirals like Paxlovid and other medicines might have prevented long COVID. These treatments will be most effective when started within 5 days of a positive symptom diagnosis.The road to recovery
Managing long COVID can be difficult, but knowing your symptoms and having a management plan can be crucial. Keep in mind that recovery is not always a straight trajectory; ups and downs are part of the process. Work with your health care team to help develop a treatment plan for your individual symptoms. Since treatments and knowledge about long COVID are still evolving, it’s important to stay updated with reliable medical resources. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a health care provider. It’s a process—sometimes a long one—but you’ve got plenty of support, like friends, family, and long COVID advocacy and research communities.Need time off to recover? Get your medical certificate online within 15 minutes.
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
For urgent medical help & in case of emergency,
call 000.
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