TREATMENT OF CHRONIC FATIGUE
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the common name for a group of significantly debilitating medical conditions characterised by persistent fatigue and other specific symptoms that last for a minimum of six months in adults and three months in children or adolescents. The fatigue is not due to exertion, not significantly relieved by rest and is not caused by other medical conditions.
The three main causes are:
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- Viral
- Immune
- Hormonal
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What are Chronic Fatigue Symptoms?
Naturopaths can detect Chronic Fatigue Symptoms quite easily. There are eight official chronic fatigue symptoms, plus the central chronic fatigue symptom that gives the condition its name:
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- Fatigue
- Loss of memory or concentration
- Sore throat
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
- Unexplained muscle pain
- Pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or redness
- Headache of a new type, pattern or severity
- Un-refreshing sleep
- Extreme exhaustion lasting more than twenty four hours after physical or mental exercise
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What Is a Naturopath’s Treatment for Chronic Fatigue?
In order for a treatment plan for Chronic Fatigue to be created, our Naturopaths will first assess the above Chronic Fatigue symptoms. Based on their findings they will provide you with a customised Chronic Fatigue natural treatment plan covering the following areas:
Support you in stress reduction techniques and stress management
Pain reduction for Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Fatigue Detoxification Program – clean up your diet and lifestyle, take out any load that may be contributing
Ongoing counselling and support – it is a debilitating disorder and can make daily life frustrating and restricting for sufferers
Seek out an underlying cause that may be contributing to the Chronic Fatigue symptoms (hormones, viral infection, immune dysfunction)
How Often Would Someone Visit a Naturopath To See Improvements?
Initially it is advisable to visit fortnightly to get on top of any underlying factors; thereafter you would need to check in as required.
CASE STUDY FOR CHRONIC FATIGUE:
Client: Woman in her late 30’s who is a stay at home mum with two kids, one of school age and one at home.
Presenting Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Head Aches
- Muscle Pain
COURSE OF ACTION:
Firstly, a full screening and health questionnaire was assessed to address any underlying nutritional deficiencies. The client was then placed on a gluten free diet and supported with the use of supplements to increase her nutrient intake and absorption, and to assist in her energy metabolism. Additionally she was prescribed a liquid herbal preparation to assist with the presenting chronic fatigue symptoms.
RESULTS:
- Reduced Headaches
- Increased Energy
A week later she presented to the clinic with the same fatigue, but had noticed her headaches hadn’t been anywhere near as constant. She had decided to quit the gym as it was becoming a stress not being able to do a full class and her recovery took days. She had managed the diet quite well, but needed some more ideas. We recommended light exercise such as walking out to the letterbox and back and continued her on her treatment protocol of nutrients to assist the muscle pain and fatigue. After four weeks her overall energy was slightly improved, but she was still having days where she wasn’t able to do anything but lay around. I added another nutrient supplement to assist with joint pain and mental fatigue. After eight weeks she presented feeling the best she had in a long time. She was enthusiastic about the prospect of going back to the gym as she now had enough energy to follow her toddler around. Consultations are now every six weeks to monitor improvement.
Meet our Qualified Professionals
In her work with patients she explores a variety of aspects including mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Her specialties include detoxification, women’s, men’s and children’s health, and weight loss, nutrition and diet. Jen considers herself to be an Integrative Naturopath, understanding the need in some cases for co-management and combining a scientific, evidence based understanding of health with a natural approach. She spent 3 years in a very busy practice, specialising in thyroid conditions, seeing thousands of patients and gained a solid grounding in treating hormone related conditions. Jen is familiar with a range of subsequent health concerns and has a special interest in reproductive health and digestive complaints. Emma is passionate about client education and long-lasting results – setting you up with any tools or education you may need to create the structure for a balanced and healthy lifestyle! Within clinic, Emma utilises herbal and nutritional supplementation, flower essences for emotional health and wellbeing, as well as a combination of dietary and lifestyle recommendations. She may use diagnostic tools to help get a better overview of your current health status which may include iridology, tongue analysis or referrals for pathology testing.
Trudy Cadoo – Chermside
Jen Strachan – Cannon Hill
Emma Pumfrey – Kenmore & Chermside
Naturopath
Initial 60 minute appointment incl Comprehensive Health Review
$150.00
Subsequent 60 minute appointment incl Health Review results
$120.00
Extended Subsequent 45 minute appointment
$110.00
Standard Subsequent 30 minute appointment
$85.00
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