Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex and debilitating disease whose cause is unknown, although it is thought to be associated with various viral infections. People with CFS experience severe fatigue that can last for months. Normal daily activities may leave them exhausted for more than a day, a fatigue unrelieved by bed rest or sleep. People with CFS may also suffer from short-term memory loss, headaches, swollen glands, joint pain and depression.
Although at first it might seem absurd to prescribe exercise for people who are already exhausted, multiple studies have shown that a carefully supervised program of physical activity can benefit CFS sufferers. An exercise program that starts very slowly and gradually increases over time (called graded exercise therapy) can help people with CFS to
- reduce fatigue and increase energy
- improve their ability to perform activities of daily living such as dressing and moving around the house
- decrease feelings of depression and improve their mental outlook
An individualized physical therapy program involves intensive monitoring of both the exercise itself and the person’s response to it. Graded exerc ise begins with a very low level of activity. For instance, a bedbound person might lift a two-pound weight off the bed for five minutes each day. A less debilitated individual might stretch for a few minutes or walk a short distan ce determined by trial and error before the individual feels tired. If he or she becomes fatigued, the length and intensity of the exercise are reduced. Exercise demands can slowly be increased, as long as they do not cause lasting fatigue.
Many physicians treating CFS prescribe graded exercise. We will work with your physician to develop an exercise regimen to ensure a slow, safe and successful rehabilitation. We will monitor your response to the exercise program so that you gain the maximum possible benefit from your graded exercise therapy.
