Physical therapy can help with alleviating chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition in which fatigue lasts for six months or longer. It is categorized by feeling of weakness, lack of energy, or tiredness not relieved by sleep and sometimes pain. Continue reading to find out more on how it effects people and how physical therapy can help!
Symptoms:
- Fatigue. One of the primary symptoms of CFS is fatigue that lasts six months or longer.
- General pain. There is a lot of overlap between CFS and fibromyalgia. This, coupled with inactivity, impacts the body causes pain and discomfort.
- Frequent headaches. Many people with CFS complain about recurring headaches. This can cause people to avoid physical activity. However, the right amount of physical activity can benefit your physical, mental, and social health. In addition, it also can help prevent or improve many chronic conditions.
- Muscle weakness. Decreased physical activity can result in general muscle weakness. Moreover, this greatly contributes to fall risks and decreases range of motion and strength.
- Brain fog. Lack of energy, lethargy and inactivity directly impacts the brain and it’s ability to function. For example, many with chronic fatigue experience brain fog and unorganized thoughts.
- Disturbed sleep. Despite generalized fatigue, people often have trouble sleeping, which directly impacts daily functions.
- Flu-like symptoms. People with CFS also report flu-like symptoms, including sore throats, muscle aches, and overall fatigue.
Finding relief:
Education. Your physical therapist design programs to help you save energy while doing daily activities. Furthermore, they also can teach sleep-healthy techniques, as well as suggest positive habits that can improve day to day activities.
Strengthening. Moving and exercising improves short-term endurance and strength. With increased physical activity, strength and stamina can be improved and maintained. Movement also reduces pain. Your physical therapist will teach you strengthening exercises to reduce your symptoms and increase range of motion.
Specific exercises. Gradual, specific exercises goes a long way to improving stamina. For example, it can start with walking for two minutes and then resting, with rest periods spread out during the session. The goal would be to increase the duration of the exercise and or difficulty.
Conclusion:
Alleviating chronic fatigue may seem daunting, but with the help of physical therapy it can be managed. To learn more about the benefits of in-home physical therapy, call First State Rehab at Home today at 302-304-9729. You can also fill out our Contact form. We would be happy to answer any questions. We see clients in New Castle County DE, Kent County DE and Delaware County PA.
In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, we serve: Glen Mills, Boothwyn, Chester, Media, Newtown Square, Garnet Valley, Concordville, Aston, Broomall, Springfield, just to name a few.
Tags: Education, Sleep, chronic fatigue syndrome, Physical Therapy, fatigue, Frequent headaches, Pain Free, Muscle weakness, Healthy Tips, Brain fog, chronic pain, generalized fatigue
