If you or a loved one are living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), you know first hand how challenging it can be. The persistent exhaustion, muscle pain, and cognitive difficulties can make daily life feel overwhelming. Managing CFS/ME requires patience, a holistic approach, and treatments that are tailored to your unique needs. One option some individuals explore is manual therapy—a hands-on approach that aims to alleviate discomfort and improve overall well-being.
Manual therapy includes a range of techniques performed by skilled healthcare professionals, such as gentle massage, joint mobilization, stretching, and soft tissue manipulation. While its effectiveness in treating CFS/ME is still debated, some people find relief in reducing muscle tension and improving mobility. However, because CFS/ME affects everyone differently, manual therapy should always be adapted to each individual’s specific condition and sensitivities.
Considerations for Manual Therapy in CFS/ME
Individualized Approach
No two cases of CFS/ME are identical, making a one-size-fits-all treatment approach ineffective. Any manual therapy intervention should be highly personalized, taking into account the individual's symptom severity, pain thresholds, and overall health. What benefits one person may not necessarily help another, so adjustments should be made accordingly.
Managing Pain and Tenderness
Many individuals with CFS/ME experience heightened sensitivity, muscle pain, and joint tenderness. Gentle techniques such as myofascial release or light massage may help alleviate some discomfort. However, more aggressive approaches, such as high-velocity thrust joint manipulations, may not be suitable due to the potential risk of exacerbating symptoms. It is essential for healthcare providers to use a cautious, patient-centred approach when incorporating manual therapy into treatment plans.
Symptom Management as Part of a Holistic Approach
Manual therapy should not be viewed as a standalone treatment but rather as part of a broader symptom management strategy. Incorporating pacing techniques, lifestyle modifications, stress management, and gentle movement therapies alongside manual therapy may provide more comprehensive relief.
Close Monitoring and Adaptation
Regular monitoring of treatment progress is crucial for individuals with CFS/ME. Because symptoms can fluctuate, healthcare professionals should maintain open communication with their patients to assess the effects of manual therapy and make necessary adjustments. If any technique appears to worsen symptoms, it should be modified or discontinued.
Respecting Patient Preferences
Each individual’s comfort and preferences should be a primary consideration when introducing manual therapy. Some may find it beneficial, while others may struggle with the physical sensations or energy expenditure involved. Ensuring that patients feel in control of their treatment choices fosters a more positive therapeutic experience.
Understanding the Evidence
Research on the effectiveness of manual therapy for CFS/ME is limited and inconclusive. While anecdotal reports suggest that some individuals experience symptom relief, others do not see any benefits. As with any treatment, it is essential for patients and healthcare providers to weigh the potential risks and benefits before proceeding.
Ultimately, managing CFS/ME requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes the patient’s well-being and personal experience. By combining various strategies and maintaining open communication with healthcare professionals, individuals with CFS/ME can work towards improving their quality of life while minimizing symptom flare-ups.
External Resources Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- NICE Guidelines: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206/evidence/g-nonpharmacological-management-of-mecfs-pdf-9265183028
- Espejo et al 2018 . Unravelling the Molecular Determinants of Manual Therapy: An Approach to Integrative Therapeutics for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(9), 2673; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19092673
- Rooise et al.( 2022. Chronic Fatigue and Post exertional Malaise in People Living With Long COVID: An Observational Study Physical Therapy, Volume 102, Issue 4, https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/102/4/pzac005/6506311
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/9/2673