Long COVID Symptoms in Kids — How Craniosacral Therapy Can Support Recovery
When your child “recovers” but still doesn’t feel well
For many families, COVID-19 recovery didn’t end with a negative test. Some children and teens experience lingering symptoms that affect their energy, focus, mood, and comfort — even months after infection.
This condition, often called Long COVID or post-viral syndrome, can be confusing and frustrating for parents and kids alike. It can show up as fatigue, headaches, brain fog, light sensitivity, body aches, or changes in mood and sleep.
While medical follow-up is always essential, some families are finding additional support through craniosacral therapy (CST) — a gentle, non-invasive way to help the nervous system rebalance and restore function after prolonged stress or illness.
Understanding post-viral recovery in children
After a viral infection, the body’s nervous, immune, and lymphatic systems can remain on high alert — even when the infection has resolved. This state of ongoing activation can make it difficult for the body to return to equilibrium.
Common symptoms of Long COVID in kids and teens include:
Persistent headaches or pressure
Fatigue and difficulty tolerating activity
Sleep disturbances or unrefreshing sleep
Mood changes or anxiety
Brain fog or trouble concentrating
Digestive upset or appetite changes
These symptoms aren’t “in their head” — they’re the body’s way of communicating that recovery is still in progress.
How craniosacral therapy supports post-viral recovery
Craniosacral therapy works gently with the central nervous system and the fascia (connective tissues) that influence movement, circulation, and immune function. Through light touch, CST helps release restrictions that may be affecting fluid flow and communication between the body’s systems.
For kids with lingering post-viral symptoms, CST may help:
Reduce headaches and body tension
Support nervous system regulation for better rest and resilience
Encourage lymphatic flow, supporting the body’s natural detox and immune functions
Improve focus and energy levels as balance returns
Promote overall calm and reduce sensory overwhelm
In simple terms, CST gives the body a chance to reset — helping it shift from “fight or flight” to “rest and repair.”
Why regulation matters for healing
After any illness, the body’s recovery depends on the ability to regulate — to move fluidly between states of activity and rest. When kids stay stuck in a stressed, depleted state, their energy and immune systems can’t fully recover.
Craniosacral therapy helps the nervous system relearn what safety and ease feel like, allowing healing to unfold naturally. For many children, that means fewer headaches, improved sleep, and steadier energy throughout the day.
What to expect at Same Stars Wellness
Appointments are calm, quiet, and guided entirely by your child’s comfort level. Kids stay clothed, and the treatment involves light, supportive touch — no manipulation, stretching, or pressure.
Our practitioners understand that post-viral recovery can be unpredictable, so sessions are paced gently. We collaborate closely with your child’s medical and allied health providers to ensure their care is safe, supportive, and integrated.
When to reach out
If your child is struggling with lingering headaches, fatigue, or post-viral symptoms weeks or months after COVID, craniosacral therapy can offer a gentle path toward balance. It’s not a replacement for medical care — but it can be a valuable complement that helps the body rebuild resilience and comfort.
Many families notice that over time, their child’s energy improves, sleep deepens, and their “spark” begins to return.
Further Reading & Resources
Reach out to Same Stars Wellness in Calgary to learn how craniosacral therapy can gently support your child’s recovery and wellbeing.
