Shawn Doherty
Massage Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Vancouver, BC
Invigorate Your Body and Mind with Expert Care
Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a condition that is often misunderstood and dismissed as just simple accumulated fatigue. While the condition is characterized by extreme fatigue, in this case, there is little to no improvement with rest. The CDC classifies CFS into either mild, moderate, or severe depending on the level of limitation to daily activities and the subsequent implications on the quality of life. Common symptoms include;
Generalized muscle and joint pains
Poor concentration
Extreme and persistent fatigue
Headaches
Sleep problems
A general feeling of discomfort
People living with CFS are often overwhelmed because of its disruptive nature to daily life. It can lead to ostracization and isolation in society due to an absence of visible symptoms and understanding from others.
Dispelling Common Myths About CFS
The obscurity surrounding CFS has resulted in the rise of several misconceptions about the condition that can hinder proper understanding and intervention:
• Myth: CFS primarily affects white, middle-aged, affluent women.
• Fact: CFS affects people of all ages and across all socioeconomic groups. The association with white, middle-aged women was because data was collected from specialists, and that population was the only one with the privilege of health insurance.
• Myth: CFS is a psychiatric disorder.