Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by a high level of fatigue and is not relieved by rest or inactivity. The majority of people who suffer from this disorder are adult women. The age range is between 30 and 50 years and severity of fatigue and dysfunction can vary from one person to the other. This disorder causes a decrease in personal, social and occupational activities and can be severe. Possible causes or risks to develop this disorder can be linked to a dysfunction in the immune system or central nervous system, having a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The condition can also present with other symptoms as follows:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headaches
- Low-grade fever
- Cognitive impairments
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Maximum fatigue after physical or mental activities
- Difficulty with memory and concentration
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is diagnosed when at least 3 or more of the symptoms above are present, fatigue is persistent and relapsing and the fatigue lasts for at least six months and is not cured with bed rest. In addition, other conditions that cause similar symptoms such as Lyme disease, lupus, and fibromyalgia have to be ruled out.
How can physical therapy help treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Total Care’s skilled physical therapists can help CFS patients by first performing a thorough evaluation and assessment of their condition and then create a treatment protocol that will involve a combination of manual or passive treatments and an exercise routine that gradually increases in intensity. In addition, self-management strategies are an important part of the protocol to help the patient understand how to manage and gradually increase levels of exertion and exercise and levels of daily activity appropriate to the patient’s needs and abilities. For more information, Contact us at Hillsborough, NJ center.