Student Physiotherapist
20 November 2024
1130
The Student Series: Episode #6
Managing Fatigue
Welcome to the penultimate instalment of this student-authored blog series, written during a placement with Dorset Neuro Rehab. This series has explored various aspects of neurological rehabilitation and the challenges faced by those with neurological conditions. In this post, we turn our focus to managing fatigue and examine how physiotherapists design individualised strategies to help patients cope with this debilitating symptom. Stay tuned for the final post in the series for more valuable insights!
Managing Fatigue in Neurological Disorders
Fatigue is a common and often debilitating symptom for individuals with neurological disorders. It can significantly impact quality of life, affecting daily activities, work, and social interactions. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing and alleviating fatigue in these patients. This blog post will explore various strategies used in neurological physiotherapy to manage fatigue.
Understanding Fatigue in Neurological Disorders
Fatigue in neurological disorders can stem from several factors. Primary fatigue is one of these factors and directly relates to the neurological condition. Multiple sclerosis is a prime example of this; patients who suffer from this disease often experience fatigue, which can sometimes be debilitating. Secondary fatigue is related to complications or secondary conditions such as depression, medication side effects, or sleep disturbances. Physical fatigue, resulting from muscle weakness or deconditioning, is common. The final form of fatigue is mental fatigue, which is associated with cognitive load and brain function.
Physiotherapy Strategies to Help Manage Fatigue
There are strategies that can help manage fatigue. One of these strategies includes energy conservation techniques, such as pacing. Physiotherapists encourage patients to balance activity and rest, educating them on breaking tasks into manageable chunks and taking regular breaks. Prioritising tasks also helps manage fatigue, allowing patients to identify and focus on essential activities to conserve energy for important tasks. Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or walkers, can also be used to reduce physical strain.
Exercise Programmes
Exercise programmes are an excellent way of managing patients’ fatigue. This can be achieved through aerobic exercise, with individualised routines that match the patient’s fitness level and tolerance. Resistance training can also be incorporated to build muscle strength and endurance, which helps reduce physical fatigue. Balance exercises are beneficial in reducing the energy expenditure required for maintaining posture and movement. It is important to start these sessions slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity as tolerated.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can help reduce fatigue when exercise programmes are not an option. Diaphragmatic breathing is a technique that physiotherapists can teach patients to improve oxygenation and reduce the sensation of breathlessness. Another technique is pursed-lip breathing, which can be used to control shortness of breath and improve respiratory efficiency during activities.
Hydration and Nutrition
As with many aspects of health, keeping hydrated and maintaining proper nutrition can help support a healthy lifestyle and reduce fatigue. Providing nutritional advice can be beneficial to ensure a balanced diet that supports energy levels. It is also important to emphasise the importance of staying hydrated to maintain both physical and cognitive performance.
Summary
Fatigue in neurological disorders can be overwhelming, but with tailored physiotherapy strategies, patients can manage and reduce its impact. By incorporating energy conservation techniques, appropriate exercise programmes, relaxation methods, and a multidisciplinary approach, neurological physiotherapists can empower patients to lead more active and fulfilling lives despite their conditions.
In this penultimate instalment of the series, we explored the crucial role of managing fatigue in neurological rehabilitation. The post highlighted how physiotherapists utilised tailored strategies, including energy conservation techniques, exercise programmes, and breathing exercises, to help individuals manage fatigue associated with neurological conditions. Insights were provided on how these approaches can support patients in improving their quality of life. Stay tuned for the final post, which will share more reflections and experiences from the placement.
Student Physiotherapist
Neurological Placement