Respiratory Support

Introduction

Flu and common colds are some of the most frequent illnesses people experience, affecting adults and children alike. Most adults catch around 2–4 colds per year, and seasonal influenza contributes to millions of cases globally each year, often leaving people feeling exhausted, achy, congested, and run-down.

While these infections are usually self-limiting, the symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life — from struggling through work and poor sleep, to feeling breathless, weak, or unable to exercise properly. The good news is that physiotherapy can play a supportive role in recovery, helping to manage symptoms, improve breathing, restore energy levels, and guide a safe return to normal activity.

Anatomy & Biomechanics

Your respiratory system is designed to move air efficiently in and out of the body, delivering oxygen to working muscles and organs while removing waste gases. When you’re healthy, breathing is smooth, deep, and well-coordinated with movement and posture.

Key structures involved include:

• The nose and sinuses – which warm and filter incoming air.
• The lungs – where oxygen exchange takes place.
• The diaphragm and rib muscles – which drive effective breathing.

During a flu or cold, the lining of the airways becomes irritated and inflamed. This leads to congestion, increased mucus, and coughing. Fatigue often causes people to breathe more shallowly and move less, which can further affect lung expansion and overall energy levels. Supporting the respiratory system with gentle movement and breathing strategies can help the body recover more comfortably.

What Causes the Symptoms (Acute vs Gradual)

Flu and colds usually come on acutely, with symptoms developing suddenly after exposure to a virus. In other cases, symptoms can feel more gradual, particularly during recovery where lingering fatigue or chest tightness may persist even after the infection itself has passed.

Common Symptoms

• Blocked or runny nose, sinus pressure, or post-nasal drip.
• Coughing, chest tightness, or heavy breathing.
• Fatigue and low energy, even with simple tasks.
• Headaches or a foggy feeling.
• Muscle and joint aches, especially with flu.
• Feeling short of breath during activities that are usually easy.

Common Diagnoses

• Common cold: A mild viral illness affecting the nose and throat.
• Influenza (flu): A more intense infection associated with fever, aches, and marked fatigue.
• Acute sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses following a cold.
• Viral bronchitis: Inflammation of the larger airways causing persistent coughing.
• Post-viral cough or fatigue: Lingering symptoms remaining after the main infection has resolved.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

If flu or cold symptoms are lingering, physiotherapy provides structured support during recovery. A full assessment looks at breathing patterns, chest movement, posture, and activity levels. Our goal is to restore normal function and prevent symptoms from returning.

Physiotherapy may include:

• Breathing techniques: To improve airflow and reduce chest tightness.
• Hands-on therapy: To support chest wall mobility and ease muscular tension.
• Graded exercise: Activity guidance to rebuild energy levels safely.
• Education: Helping you return to work and daily tasks without setbacks.

At our practice in Pretoria, The Moot, and Mayville, we help patients navigate the recovery from prolonged respiratory symptoms safely and confidently.