FAQs
I'm a Physio
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What is ME?
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (sometimes known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME/CFS). A complex multi-system disease that results in significant disability.
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A quick overview of ME in relation to physiotherapy can be found here
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A more in-depth look and further resources can be found here
I don’t treat ME. Why do I need to know anything?
A physiotherapist in any speciality may see someone with ME, either for a symptom directly related to ME or a completely unrelated matter:
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ME/CFS specialist centres
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Musculoskeletal services
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Neurological physiotherapy
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Fatigue services
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Community services
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Paediatrics
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Rheumatology
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Pain services
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Orthopaedics
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Palliative care
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Respiratory
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Cardiology
ANY treatment must prioritise ME because of the potential for causing post exertional malaise, which is the addition of new symptoms or exacerbation of current symptoms caused by exertion.
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We have created a brief one-page handout to help physiotherapists work safely with people who have ME. You can download this here.
How do I treat ME?
Physiotherapy interventions will not “treat” ME – there is currently no cure.
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Management options include helping people to pace activity to avoid post exertional malaise, and carefully explore other interventions in relation to specific symptoms such as pain and positioning advice.
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Do you provide training? / Can you do a training presentation for our team?
We do not have the capacity to provide training sessions for individual teams at this time.
You can find a selection of pre-recorded presentations and other resources here.
We have published an in-depth book aimed at physiotherapists - find out more here
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What key resources would you recommend?
Key resources for physiotherapists can be found here.
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Can I join Physios for ME?
Physios for ME is run voluntarily by four physiotherapists in the UK. We are passionate about improving the education of our profession and advocating for the ME community. You can read more about us here.
Physios for ME is not set up as an organisation that has “members” but we always welcome hearing from other professionals who’d like to share their experiences.
I have ME
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Do you provide physio services?
Physios for ME are an education and advocacy group that we run voluntarily, and as such we do not have the capability to provide physiotherapy services.
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While some of our team do operate as private physiotherapists, we felt it was too great a conflict of interest to involve service provision alongside the work of Physios for ME.
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Can you recommend a physio?
We are often asked to recommend physiotherapists who specialise in ME. Unfortunately it would not be possible or fair for us to regulate such a list.
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ME is not included as standard in a physiotherapist’s training so finding a therapist who is specialist in ME can be difficult, however a good physiotherapist will always be working hard to expand their knowledge.
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You can always provide them with the resources on our website, or even pass on our contact details and encourage them to get in touch. A good physio will be happy to do this to provide the best possible service to their patients.
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I have to see a physio for a problem other than my ME - how can they work with me safely?
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We have created a one-sheet handout that you can take to your physiotherapy appointment, to help the physio understand how they might adapt their practice to work with you safely. You can find out more here.
My physio has prescribed me treatment that I don’t feel comfortable with – what should I do?
You can always contact us to talk this through. If applicable you can provide some of our resources to help educate the therapist, or encourage them to get in touch with us.
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Under NICE guidelines you have the right to decline or withdraw from any part of your care plan without it affecting access to any other parts of your care. See here for more information.
I’m a parent
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My child is struggling to access education, how can I help?
There are lots of measures and advice with regards accessing education. You can find more information about this here.
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Do you provide physio services?
Physios for ME are an education and advocacy group that we run voluntarily, and as such we do not have the capability to provide physiotherapy services.
​
While some of our team do operate as private physiotherapists, we felt it was too great a conflict of interest to involve service provision alongside the work of Physios for ME.
​
Can you recommend a physio?
We are often asked to recommend physiotherapists who specialise in ME. Unfortunately it would not be possible or fair for us to regulate such a list.
​
ME is not included as standard in a physiotherapist’s training so finding a therapist who is specialist in ME can be difficult, however a good physiotherapist will always be working hard to expand their knowledge.
You can always provide them with the resources on this website, or even pass on our contact details and encourage them to get in touch. A good physio will be happy to do this to provide the best possible service to their patients.
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My child’s physio has prescribed them treatment that I don’t feel comfortable with – what should I do?
You can always contact us to talk this through. If applicable you can provide some of our resources to help educate the therapist, or encourage them to get in touch with us.
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Under NICE guidelines you have the right to decline or withdraw from any part of your care plan without it affecting access to any other parts of your care. See here for more information.