Physiotherapy and ME/CFS

Introduction from Amanda Brown

I have been working in physiotherapy for 17 years now and have treated a few people with ME/Chronic fatigue syndrome and have found patience and 'graded exposure' towards exercise the important factors. Often working with chronic pain or longer term problems, there can be more reward when there are successes, as it is a longer process, and the goal benefits the sufferer so enormously.
My advice would be'don't give up' and any movement is better than none, so don't feel that exercise involves running on a track - everyone is different and so is physiotherapy and exercise.

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy can be helpful in all kinds of conditions or during rehabilitation following accident or long term illness. In 'ME' or 'Chronic fatigue syndrome' it would seem that grading exercise or movement is of paramount importance, due to the nature of the condition. Too much exertion can set someone back, whereas someone else may find the same amount perfect, so 'grading' and 'tailoring' a regime would seem the way forward.
Obviously, this would also be personal to the person and the 'right' time would also be necessary. Early days may just involve maintaining movement and trying to alleviate tenderness and help with pain.

Exercise made me worse!

Often exercise is seen as getting into a sweat and becoming 'out of breath'. This would be a programme for a person with no ME symptoms! Sometimes health professionals have little experience of rehabilitation and this is where things go wrong.

A person is put off by trying the gym or an activity on professional advice, and then finding themselves 'wiped out' for days with no benefit and a feeling that exercise did more harm than good.

Different types of muscle groups

If a person suffers a long term period of activity, following illness or injury, the 'deep stabiling' muscles can become deconditioned. These muscles respond to direct, slow, small and controlled movements, which are usually more achievable than the standard form of exercising.
They should not cause the feeling of 'wipe out' and can have a beneficial effect on the overall musculoskeletal makeup. This is why 'less is more' can sometimes have a slow, but steady effect on symptoms.

Massage and soft tissue work

ME can give hypersensitive symptoms, including pain to the touch and a feeling of overall tenderness. Massage can help, which again must be graded and gentle, working up to more pressure.

Private physiotherapy can be expensive

Yes, physiotherapy can be expensive. However, an initial assessment can be helpful and then a programme can be devised between the ME sufferer and therapist. Sometimes it may be the wrong time to start anything, but usually something can be done.

A programme is written out for home, and if massage or soft tissue work is appropriate, then the therapist would teach either a relative or carer, to continue at home. As you know, ME can be a long term condition, and there are often no overnight successes.

Therefore physiotherapy would be maybe once every fortnight in the beginning for e.g. during the first two months and then progress to once every six weeks - everyone is different. Some people sometimes feel a more frequent intervention in the early days and then just come to see if there is progress or to update a regime. Others may just need one session and then to make contact when they feel ready to move on - no two people are the same and that's fine and normal!

Physiotherapists in the area

It is advisable to use a registered physiotherapist and they are 'chartered and state registered' and found in the 'Yellow pages'. I work in Conwy and have three steep steps into my clinic, which is obviously not accessible for some people.

If you would like to phone to make an appointment my number is 01492 582410 or if you have a query

My email address is amandabrown.phvsio@tiscaii.co.uk.

My website address is www.freewebs.com/amandabrownphysio

I am unable to do home visits, but I can put you in touch with a 'Domiciliary physiotherapist' Mrs. Barbara Costello Telephone number: 01745824 160 or mobile 07932393672, she will do home visits.

I work as a 'sole practitioner' and work part time in the NHS, so my hours are limited, so often I do not have many appointments and I am unable to talk during clinic hours as I am treating. However, if you leave a message or Email, I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

Think positive and Good Luck!

Amanda Brown MSCP SRP B.A. (Hons) Physiotherapist