Chronic Fatigue: The Role Of Exercise

Chronic Fatigue: The Role Of Exercise

Those with Chronic fatigue syndrome could face quite a varied approach to reaching an improved quality of life. Many times medical, Cognitive and mental therapies are needed. Chronic Fatigue sufferers tend to each experience their own varying degree of symptoms. Some are able to carry on with fairly normal, even strenuous lives whereas some are completely housebound. Some sufferers of CFS, especially those that were once active want to have exercise as part of their therapy. This is entirely possible but must be approached with a completely new attitude.

When most of us exercise, we do so to push our bodies to and beyond its limits. This dies exhaust the body temporarily but passes quite quickly. Continued exercise over time is actually good for our bodies and in most of us our physical limits will increase. Exercise, if overdone can further debilitate a CFS sufferer. Once their exercise has completed, their symptoms can be further aggravated. This could mean an increase in muscle pain, headache and even memory loss. What is normally a healthy habit can make someone with chronic fatigue syndrome even worse.

Exercise is however important to someone suffering from CFS. With no inactivity, muscles can become soft and weak. In activity can also lead to a worsening of the condition and symptoms. Exercise needs to be approached with the concept of symptom improvement and not pushing the body’s physical limits.

Many Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers fall into the trap of feeling better, increasing their activity, feeling worse, no activity. Later they feel better and repeat the cycle again. This does their physical and mental condition no good at all. An exercise plan needs to be developed with a doctor or care worker. Activities such as stretching, Yoga, and walking are usually introduced. The exercise is their to improve symptoms not build the perfect physique. If however, there is consistent and steady improvement then the exercise regime can be re-evaluated.

Exercise is very important to a person suffering from CFS. Exercise helps keep the muscles tones and prevents stiffness and further weakness. Exercise, when overdone can create much worse symptoms for the patient. Increased tiredness, pain and memory loss are quite often the result of a too strenuous exercise regime. Exercise needs to be planned carefully with a doctor or care worker. The plan needs to be carried out and steady progress must occur before any increase or alteration can be made.