Chronic Fatigue
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (MECFS) is a complex condition with a wide range of symptoms, the most common being persistent fatigue. However, it may also include:
- Widespread aches and pains
- Difficulty falling asleep, waking at night or not feeling refreshed after sleep
- Disruption to daily life, including education, socialising and sports or other interests
- Problems with memory, concentration or processing information
- Dizziness
- Low mood and anxiety
The CYP Physiotherapy Service has experience in supporting children and young people experiencing long term conditions where fatigue and chronic pain can be factors.
We provide support into the MECFS Paediatric service that covers East and North Hertfordshire. Referrals to this service need to be made via the GP. For more information about the service please see their website: Children and young people's ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust (enherts-tr.nhs.uk)
We also support children with MECFS in West Hertfordshire where it is impacting on school attendance or the ability to participate in daily activities. Referrals can be made by any health professional via our online physiotherapy referral form.
Helping to manage your child’s fatigue may involve pacing activities to avoid exhaustion and balancing activities throughout the week, establishing routines or exploring relaxing activities such as listening to music or mindfulness.
A general guide on managing fatigue by BACME (British Association of Clinicians in ME/CFS) can be found here: BACME-Post-Viral-Fatigue-A-Guide-to-Management-May2020.pdf
A further guide on managing fatigue by Royal United Hospitals Bath Fatigue Service can be found here: https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/RNHRD/patients/services/fatigue_services/documents/Fatigue_Management_Advice.pdf
