What is Fatigue?
Fatigue can be explained as a lack of energy, burnout or a feeling of constant exhaustion. Fatigue can affect anyone and is often linked to lifestyle factors, such as poor sleep, burnout or a lack of exercise.
Are there different types of Fatigue?
Fatigue may be experienced after a viral or bacterial infection. This is often referred to as post-infective fatigue syndrome (PIFS). Similarly, fatigue is a common side-effect of some cancer treatments and Post Cancer Fatigue (PCF) may continue for months or years following treatment.
Fatigue may also be a side-effect of other medical conditions due to the nature of the illness or as a response to certain medications.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is characterised by extreme exhaustion and fatigue that cannot be cured by rest. CFS/ME is a complex medical condition that requires management.
Recently, Long COVID has come on to the scene exhibiting similar characteristics to CFS/ME, with fatigue being one of the most common symptoms experienced by those with Long COVID.
!! There is a big difference between fatigue and tiredness !!
CFS is a complex medical condition that has no known cure. Symptoms can vary on a day-to-day basis and can range from manageable to debilitating. A diagnosis of CFS is given when all other medically explained reasons for fatigue have been dismissed and when this fatigue has lasted longer than 6 months.
CFS symptoms include:
- Extreme exhaustion
- Widespread musculoskeletal pain
- Post-exertional malaise
- Difficulties with memory and concentration
- Brain fog/cognitive difficulties
- “Flu-like” symptoms i.e. sore throat, headache, dizziness etc.
With CFS, fatigue will worsen with physical or cognitive activity, but is not “cured” by rest.
Important to note:
CFS is often referred to as an “invisible illness” as those suffering may look healthy on the outside whilst suffering numerous aspects of the illness.
CFS does not look the same for everyone. Functional capacity may vary. Those with CFS may range from bed- or house-bound, to working full-time and completing structured physical activity. No two patients with CFS experience the condition the same!
So how can an Exercise Physiologist help with Chronic Fatigue?
When it comes to most fatigue presentations, Exercise Physiologists generally do not start with exercise. The best fatigue management comes from understanding all about the fatigue foundations and how to incorporate these into a daily routine to minimise symptom exacerbation. As a result, the job of the exercise physiologist is to learn everything possible about the client. This includes understanding all about physical AND cognitive thresholds and how they interact with each other. Everything in a day drains energy from the same “energy tank”. Exercise physiologists aim to help those with fatigue states to pace their daily activities with an aim of gradually increasing thresholds over time. Sessions are highly individualised c and involve mentoring and goal setting to assist in management.
Unsure where to start?
Our new EP, Simone is your go-to for fatigue states. With over seven years of experience working with those suffering from the full range of Fatigue disorders, Simone is here to help.
If you would like to receive a more detailed ‘playbook’ regarding strategies to better manage your fatigue, please email us at admin@theepgroup.com.au or give us a call on (03) 9029 5590.
You can also conveniently book in to see Simone by CLICKING HERE
