Long Covid muscle pain – What really helps when the body can’t rest

Very few people have been able to avoid a Covid-19 infection in recent years, and fortunately for many it was without consequences. But for some, it was only then that an invisible battle began that continues to this day. 

Around every second person affected by Long Covid reports persistent muscle pain - a symptom that is quickly underestimated in everyday life. Although it is often not visible to those affected, they feel it with every movement, every step, and sometimes even when they rest.

The pain is often diffuse, difficult to grasp and yet extremely restrictive. Many feel cut off from their energy and their bodies constantly seem tense or overstimulated. 

But as stressful as the symptoms are, there are ways to regain some control. From targeted exercise to gentle relaxation methods, many small steps can help you achieve your goal of greater well-being.

 

Reading tip: If you would like to know which complaints massages can specifically help with, you can find it in the article “From head to toe – this is where massages help” practical answers.

 

What happens in the body?  The causes behind Long Covid muscle pain

Muscle pain after a Covid-19 illness is not a coincidence and it is not a classic symptom, as is sometimes the case with viral infections. Researchers suspect that this is due to a combination of several factors: Inflammatory processes in the tissue, persistent dysregulation of the immune system and stimulus processing disorders in the nervous system. This also describes these connections S1 guideline “Long/Post-COVID Syndrome” from the AWMF (2024), which classifies Long Covid as a complex multisystem disease.

Unlike classic muscle soreness, the causes are not acute overload and micro-injuries, but rather the interaction of the immune response, nerve irritation and exhaustion. This explains why many sufferers feel permanently tense, overly sensitive or simply as if they have been through strenuous training, even without physical activity.

Some of these complaints are similar to chronic pain syndromes such as central pain syndrome, in which the nervous system remains “switched to pain”, so to speak.

You can find out more about this in our article: Muscle pain after Corona.

 

What Long Covid pain feels like and why it is so difficult to grasp

Dull, stabbing, burning – Long Covid muscle pain shows many faces. Some describe it as similar to muscle soreness, others feel more internal tension or even a “pulling resistance” in their arms, legs or even back. What unites them: They often occur regardless of exertion or even with minimal exertion.

In short: If even climbing stairs or carrying a shopping basket is painful, everyday life simply becomes torture. The body reacts overly sensitively, sometimes seemingly for no apparent reason. And what was possible yesterday can become a hurdle today, because the symptoms fluctuate greatly from day to day. 

It is precisely this unpredictability that makes dealing with it so challenging, both physically and emotionally.  In addition, this type of complaint is not easy to diagnose, even from a diagnostic point of view.

 

What really helps? – Treatment options for Long Covid muscle pain

Since it is a complex reaction of the body, a versatile approach is required. Medications such as low-dose antidepressants or certain painkillers can help to dampen the sensation of pain in the central nervous system, but are usually only part of the whole.

In addition, physiotherapeutic measures, exercise therapies and psychosomatic support are used. The so-called has proven particularly useful multimodal pain therapy, in which medical, therapeutic and psychological approaches work together. 

It not only addresses the symptoms, but also lifestyle habits and thus offers a new perspective on dealing with chronic complaints. As with many treatments, personal initiative and confidence are required here.

Reading tip: Pain management – understand pain and achieve a better quality of life

What you can do yourself: Strategies for everyday life with Long Covid muscle pain

Unfortunately, Long Covid pain cannot simply be “trained away”, but there are ways to regain more control. Gentle exercise is one of them. Not to increase performance, but to keep the muscles active and to set stimuli more consciously. 

Already small mobilization exercises or short walks can help improve body awareness and reduce sensitivity to stimuli.

Also Stimulus reduction and stress management play an important role. Relaxation techniques like Breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation can also help. The second is a technique in which you tense and relax muscle groups one after the other to relax the entire body, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. 

Many sufferers also find gentle massages to be beneficial. The even, low-pressure stimuli have a balancing effect; they can reduce hypersensitivity and promote a better body feeling. 

 

Reading tip: In our post “How massage affects the nervous system” you can find out more about this exact topic.

 

Massage chair for Long Covid – relief for the body and nervous system

If massages are your choice, massage chairs quickly become an issue. Flexible use in everyday life and various gentle massage and relaxation programs make them an excellent option. 

Especially if the journey to physiotherapy is too strenuous and painful. They offer targeted pressure massage, soothing warmth and even stimulation, all passive and individually adjustable.

Particularly helpful for long-Covid muscle pain: the Combination of air pressure massage and heat function. It gently surrounds the arms and legs and sends out even stimuli that can calm the overstimulated nervous system. The ability to flexibly adjust the intensity also makes the application particularly gentle.

A good example of this is the Massage chair MSW-300 – developed for sensitive users, with a focus on gentle pressure distribution and soothing heat treatment. 

You can find other suitable models in our Health collection, which is specially tailored to sensitive needs.

 

Living with Long Covid muscle pain: Reclaiming everyday life

Muscle pain after a Covid infection is more than just an annoying symptom, for many people it is a permanent burden that is physically and mentally demanding. But even if the causes lie deep in the nervous system, that does not mean that we are helpless to deal with them.

There are ways to regain a better quality of life step by step: through exercise at your own pace, through conscious relaxation and with aids that gently support you. 

Massage chairs can play a supporting role: not as a replacement for therapy, but as always-ready relaxation oases that offer your body peace, structure and targeted stimuli.

Sometimes change begins on a small scale, with new routines that gradually lead to more relief and inner balance.

Note: This article does not replace medical diagnosis or therapy. If symptoms persist or are severe, you should seek medical advice.