Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)?
Chronic fatigue is exactly how it sounds; an on going, disabling tiredness that can also present as headaches, joint and muscle pain, problems sleeping and in general something that makes it very difficult participating in even the most routine daily activities.
Getting the diagnosis of CFS / ME can be very frustrating as it is a diagnosis by exception. In other words, there is no simple test to see if you have CFS / ME; rather lots of other conditions have to be proven negative before you can reach the conclusion that the symptoms suggested must be CFS / ME.
It may often feel that the health service has let you down or that people don’t believe just how bad it is. The important thing to know is that CFS / ME suffers can get better and there are two main components to this.
1) Graded exercise therapy - The key with fatigue is not to over do it on your good days as this may result in several bad days. It is better to take the long view and build up at a sensible rate over time with the end goal being work, sport, hobbies… pretty much anything you want to do that will enrich your life!
2) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - This is where you look at your day to day behaviors and how they impact on your condition. By being mindful of this and having a structured long term view you can overcome many of the barriers you face in day to day situations.
As physiotherapists we combine both these approaches to support you on your road to recovery. Our treatment involves the following;
Treating areas of pain
Assessing the right level of activity for you to start with
Educating you on the condition and why you feel the way you do
Building a structure & progressive rehabilitation program
Monitoring your progress
Providing support every step of the way
Chronic fatigue is exactly how it sounds; an on going, disabling tiredness that can also present as headaches, joint and muscle pain, problems sleeping and in general something that makes it very difficult participating in even the most routine daily activities.
Getting the diagnosis of CFS / ME can be very frustrating as it is a diagnosis by exception. In other words, there is no simple test to see if you have CFS / ME; rather lots of other conditions have to be proven negative before you can reach the conclusion that the symptoms suggested must be CFS / ME.
It may often feel that the health service has let you down or that people don’t believe just how bad it is. The important thing to know is that CFS / ME suffers can get better and there are two main components to this.
1) Graded exercise therapy - The key with fatigue is not to over do it on your good days as this may result in several bad days. It is better to take the long view and build up at a sensible rate over time with the end goal being work, sport, hobbies… pretty much anything you want to do that will enrich your life!
2) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - This is where you look at your day to day behaviors and how they impact on your condition. By being mindful of this and having a structured long term view you can overcome many of the barriers you face in day to day situations.
As physiotherapists we combine both these approaches to support you on your road to recovery. Our treatment involves the following;
Treating areas of pain
Assessing the right level of activity for you to start with
Educating you on the condition and why you feel the way you do
Building a structure & progressive rehabilitation program
Monitoring your progress
Providing support every step of the way
… you are not alone, we’re in it with you…
You can contact us to see exactly how we can help you
Find more information from NHS Choices or Patient.co.uk
Find more information from NHS Choices or Patient.co.uk
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Support groups;
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