®Ankle pumps
Lie on your back or sit. Pull your toes up towards you, then point them down. During time spent in bed, this works the calf muscles and stops the ankle from stiffening.
10–15 repetitions, several times a day2–4 weeksThe period over which symptoms usually keep getting worse
1 in 3The share of patients whose breathing muscles are affected (WHO)
6 monthsThe time within which most people walk again; recovery can take up to a year
16 trialsA 2025 review of exercise during recovery
This is an emergency. If you have tingling and weakness that start in the feet and hands and spread upwards, see a doctor the same day. If there is difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, or drooping of the face, call 112. This page is about the recovery period after hospital treatment.
What is it?
The immune system attacks the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord; the nerves cannot carry signals to the muscles and from the senses. It most often starts a few weeks after an infection such as flu or a stomach bug. It can occur at any age; it is more common in adults and in males.
Weakness progresses over hours, days or weeks; nine out of ten patients have reached their weakest point by the third week. Then recovery begins.
Symptoms
- Tingling, numbness, pins and needles in the feet and hands
- Weakness that starts in the legs and spreads to the arms and face
- Sharp nerve pain, especially in the legs and back
- Problems with walking and balance
- Drooping of the face, difficulty swallowing or speaking, double vision
- Difficulty breathing; swings in heart rate and blood pressure
Treatment in hospital
Treatment takes place in hospital and usually lasts several weeks. One of two methods is used to stop the immune system attacking the nerves: intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange. According to the Cochrane review, in severely affected patients IVIG started within the first two weeks speeds recovery about as much as plasma exchange; giving the two one after the other brings no extra benefit.
Alongside this, breathing, heart rate and blood pressure are closely monitored; ventilator support is given if needed. In patients who cannot walk, medicines and compression stockings are used to prevent blood clots in the leg veins, and medicines are used for nerve pain.
Rehabilitation during recovery
- Range of movementWhile the muscles are not working, the physiotherapist moves and positions the arms and legs; this prevents the muscles from shortening.
- StrengtheningStrength does not return to every muscle at the same rate; exercises target the muscles that stay weak.
- Walking and balanceStarting with a walking frame or stick if needed, with support reduced gradually.
- Occupational therapyWork on being able to do daily tasks again and on returning to work; assistive devices.
- Fatigue and painA plan for the fatigue and nerve pain that can last a long time; your doctor manages pain medicines.
- Mental healthAnxiety and depression are common; psychological support is part of treatment.
According to a 2025 review of 16 studies, exercise after Guillain-Barré may increase strength, reduce fatigue and support independence; however, the studies are small and the authors state that larger research is needed. Keep sessions short and rest in between; if you have marked fatigue or increased weakness the next day, ease the programme.
Exercises at home
Six exercises for the recovery period
These exercises are for the period after leaving hospital and are ordered from easier to harder. Which step you are on depends on your strength; decide your programme with your physiotherapist, and stop before you are tired out.
Towel press
Lie on your back with a rolled-up towel under your knee. Press the back of your knee into the towel to tighten the muscle at the front of your thigh, hold for a few seconds and relax.
Hold for 5 seconds, 10 repetitionsBridge
Lie on your back with your knees bent. Slowly lift your hips, hold for a moment and lower with control. Stop when you are tired; quality matters more than numbers.
5–10 repsSit-to-stand from a chair
Sit towards the front of a sturdy chair. Lean forwards and stand up, using your hands for support as much as you need, then sit down slowly. As you get stronger, use your hands less.
5–10 reps, 1–2 setsHeel raises holding the counter
Stand upright holding onto a worktop. Lift both heels together and lower slowly. Ankle strength is often the last to return; work at it patiently.
8–10 repsShort, frequent walks
Take short walks spread through the day instead of one long walk. Use a walking frame or stick if needed. If you have marked fatigue or weakness the next day, reduce the distance.
Several times a day, building up little by littleVideo
Video on Guillain-Barré
From the YouTube channel of Mayo Clinic in the USA.
Mayo Clinic Radio interview
A radio interview about Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Frequently asked questions
Does Guillain-Barré syndrome go away completely?
Most people recover fully, including those who were severely affected. In some people, however, weakness, numbness, fatigue or pain can last a long time. Recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years; that is why rehabilitation and regular follow-up matter.
How long before I walk again?
Most people walk within six months and recover within a year. Weakness usually reaches its worst within the first two to four weeks, then slowly returns. The time varies a great deal from person to person; strength may not return to every muscle at the same rate.
Can it come back?
It can; that is why follow-up is recommended every few months after recovery at first, and then once a year. If your long-term symptoms get worse, or symptoms return after you have recovered, contact your specialist without waiting.
Is it harmful to exercise while recovering?
The research available suggests exercise may be helpful: according to a 2025 review of 16 studies, exercise may increase strength, reduce fatigue and support independence. Even so, the studies are small and not enough to be certain. Adjust your programme with your physiotherapist, according to your fatigue.
When to seek help right away
Get help without waiting in the following situations:
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking; drooping of the face (112)
- Weakness that increases quickly over hours or days
- Symptoms returning after recovery, or long-term symptoms getting worse
- Painful swelling, warmth or redness in the calf
- Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath (112)
Sources
- Hughes RAC, Swan AV, van Doorn PA. Intravenous immunoglobulin for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(9):CD002063.
- Kiper P, Chevrot M, Godart J, et al. Physical exercise in Guillain-Barré syndrome: a scoping review. J Clin Med. 2025;14(8):2655.
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Guillain-Barré syndrome. Last reviewed 13 March 2026.
- NHS. Guillain-Barré syndrome. Page last reviewed 12 August 2024.
- World Health Organization. Guillain–Barré syndrome. Fact sheet. 24 October 2025.