Current Physiotherapy Management Approaches for Viral Respiratory Infections: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Viral respiratory infections represent a significant global health burden and can lead to considerable respiratory impairment and functional limitations. Physiotherapy plays an important role in the management of these conditions across acute, hospitalized, and post-recovery phases; however, the available evidence is diverse and lacks uniformity. The purpose of this narrative review was to evaluate current physiotherapy management approaches for viral respiratory infections and to identify existing gaps in evidence and clinical practice. A narrative literature review was conducted using open-access, peer-reviewed articles with valid DOIs obtained from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and other scientific sources. Studies published between 2019 and 2025 focusing on physiotherapy interventions for viral respiratory infections were included. The reviewed literature highlights the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions such as breathing exercises, airway clearance techniques, positioning, early mobilization, and pulmonary rehabilitation in improving respiratory function and functional outcomes, particularly during and after COVID-19 infection. However, the review also identifies several gaps, including limited evidence beyond COVID-19, lack of standardized physiotherapy protocols, and insufficient high-quality randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up. In conclusion, physiotherapy is an essential component in the management of viral respiratory infections, but further research is required to establish standardized, evidence-based guidelines and improve preparedness for future respiratory viral outbreaks.