The Institute of Medicine estimates upwards of 2.5 million Americans deal with chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition is now recognized as an actual syndrome versus just a symptom. In many cases, this chronic fatigue syndrome goes undiagnosed or bushed aside. This is done by both the individual suffering and the medical community. At this time, medical groups including the Center for Disease Control, The Department of Health and Human Services and National Institute for Health are all looking to educate doctors and the public about diagnosis and treatment options.
The message delivered to the public suggests consultation with your primary care physician. In addition, developing a multi-disciplinary treatment approach is advised. The multiple medical team member approach may be necessary to handle the varied aspects of this potentially debilitating condition. Often medical management includes medication, therapy and at times counseling.
Some of the main symptoms used to diagnosis this condition include: unrefreshing sleep, inability to focus on tasks requiring thought, “crashing” after minimal activity or exertion, and reduction of occupational/educational/social/personal activities over period of 6 months due to fatigue. Many reading this may feel one or more of these may apply to them. If so, then consider consultation with your PCP to discuss this matter.
How does a physical therapist fit into the picture? Often patients with “chronic fatigue syndrome” have been inactive for a significant period of time. As a result, many become deconditioned, weak and inflexible. Reduction in pain/mobility/function can result that may be addressed with physical therapy interventions.
We evaluate the person as a whole, and develop an action plan. Together, with the patient, PCP, and/or other health professional as needed we begin to assist the patient in re-claiming their function again. Often the program must start slow (what we call graded exercise). This is done to avoid overloading the system too quickly. Ultimately, we will be looking to assist the patient, under controlled circumstances, to regain strength, flexibility, mobility, function and overall independence.
If you would like more information regarding chronic fatigue syndrome or other conditions that may be amenable to physical therapy, please visit http://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditions.aspx