Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is a deeply complex and multi-system condition which has historically suffered from a lack of awareness within physiotherapy education and practice. Similarities in presentation between this condition and Long Covid make this comprehensive and evidence-based guide for physiotherapists even more timely and important. This guide includes an in-depth explanation and history of ME/CFS whilst also describing symptoms, varying degrees of severity, and how to manage ME/CFS in children. It also provides detailed management advice and discussion on how the information can directly inform physiotherapy practice, supplemented with patient case studies.
Karen Leslie is a chartered physiotherapist specialising in neurological rehabilitation. She works in private practice with people who have disorders or damage to the brain, spinal cord or nervous system and developed an interest in ME/CFS through her clinical work. Karen also has a background in journalism and communications. Dr Nicola Clague-Baker is a chartered physiotherapist with over 30 years experience and currently teaches neurological physiotherapy and research at the University of Liverpool. She has a special interest in ME/CFS as her closest friend has been living with the condition for over 30 years, which inspires Nicola to continue to find solutions through research and education. Since qualifying as a chartered physiotherapist over 30 years ago, Dr Michelle Bull has worked in clinical and non-clinical roles with an emphasis on supported self-management of long-term conditions, including cardiac rehabilitation, cancer rehabilitation, physical activity promotion and more recently Long Covid. She has extensive knowledge and experience of ME/CFS due to the condition affecting family members. Natalie Hilliard works clinically as a chartered physiotherapist in private practice, covering musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and specialising in the management of ME/CFS and Long Covid. Natalie was inspired by her close friend, who has post-viral severe ME, and it is through knowing her friend that Natalie has learnt so much more about this illness. Natalie continues to be inspired to learn more and to help others with ME/CFS.
A Physiotherapists Guide to Understanding and Managing ME/CFS
•This dynamic author team have a collective physiotherapy experience of over 70 years and are heavily endorsed by the ME/CFS community.
•The authors founded the group Physios for ME which has been contacted by physios and ME/CFS patient groups in the US, France, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
•An estimated 10% of those who contracted Covid may go onto develop ME/CFS so interest in this area is high.
