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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

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About

Chronic Fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) are characterised by disabling physical and mental fatigue, sleep difficulties, headaches, sore throat, concentration and memory difficulties, muscle and joint aches and pain. These symptoms aren't relieved by rest and are usually accompanied by many other debilitating symptoms.

Program Background

In 2001, Active Health Clinic founder Nathan Butler met paediatrician Dr Lionel Lubitz when working at the Austin Hospital. Dr Lubitz was working with a group of adolescents who were very unwell and not being taken seriously by the greater medical profession. They had been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

Through the program they participated in at the hospital, these teenagers were able to return to school, socialise with friends and no longer be limited by their health. Seeing these changes inspired Nathan to continue to develop a program to manage complex fatigue, with cutting edge research and links with the world’s best practitioners in CFS/ME. This is the program we offer here, and since its inception in 2008, Active Health Clinic has grown in size, locations, understanding, research, tools and support and offers one of the best programs for CFS/ME nationally and internationally.

Fatigue can be misunderstood

Fatigue is not something that can be seen, and it can often be misunderstood or dismissed by people not familiar with the condition. Due to the severity and long-term effects of fatigue, it can impact one's quality of life and cause problems in a person's ability to function.

Fatigue can impact social life, relationships, attending work, university or school, caring for family, or participation in previously enjoyed activities, which can lead to worsening of the condition, isolation and a decline in mental health.

Our Program

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Our program consists of approximately 10-15 individual sessions over 6 -18 months. It is designed and focused on CFS/ME rehabilitation, and helps our clients make and maintain gains, through a holistic approach.

The sessions focus on:

CFS/ME neurophysiology

Activity stabilisation and pacing

Setting an appropriate and safe movement/exercise routine (if/when applicable)

Goal setting and forward planning daily activities

Identifying triggers and developing a setback plan

Strength training (if applicable)

Pilates (if applicable)

Stress and anxiety management

Symptom mapping

Addressing nutritional needs (if applicable)

Understanding hormones and managing the cycle (if applicable)

OI & POTS management (if applicable)

Sensitisation and pain education (if applicable)

Mindfulness techniques and management (if applicable)

Yoga (if applicable)

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Our program aims to help you establish a ‘normal day’ or return to work, uni or school, and day to day life.

Through pacing and gradual return to activity, we are able to slowly and confidently build your capacity, without increasing your symptoms. We know this journey is a bit rocky so we give you the skills to deal with any future hurdles, through setback planning and providing you with a therapy manual you can turn to in times of need.

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Cost and questions

For program costs and rebates available, please call the clinic.

Do I need a referral? What if I can't get to your clinic?

A referral isn't always necessary however may impact on your ability to get a rebate - speak to our friendly reception staff and they can help you. Our clinics are located in Blackburn, Mornington, Bendigo & Essendon, Victoria, however, all services are offered via telehealth also.

How can a movement plan help me without making me worse?

Exercise is a regularly debated topic among the ME/CFS population. Our program is tailored 1:1 care, designed for people of all health and fitness levels. Through really getting to know you in a thorough assessment, we identify your personal activity / movement / exercise baseline and develop a plan that is appropriate and safe for you. We do this in such a way that your body’s capacity and resilience will adapt and grow whilst not making you feel worse. One person's baseline could be simply sitting up on the edge of the bed or standing up beside the bed to increase heart rate and breathing, while another's may be 30 minutes of walking.

We know that often, people with a fatigue illness tend to do as much activity whilst they can when they feel good, to ‘get things done’ or ‘catch up’. Then on ‘bad days’ when they're not feeling well, they do very little. Our program will help you stabilise your daily activity, including your movement / exercise, so you can learn to avoid the 'boom and bust' cycle.

Dietetics in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

From deciding what to eat, to accessing, preparing, cooking and even eating food, fatigue can make something that is meant to enrich the body feeling very draining.

Our dietitians pride themselves on their ability to meet you at your capacity, and help you implement a range of 'fatigue-friendly food strategies' in a realistic and sustainable way.

Some topics that may be covered to support you and your body with fatigue include:

Making food more accessible and more fatigue friendly

Strategies to reduce the impact of preparing and cooking meals

Improving and stabilising appetite by creating a sustainable and consistent eating routine

Guidance around eating a range of foods across the day that support sustainable energy levels

Eating patterns to improve your energy levels and support your overall well-being

Ready to Take Control of Your Health?

At Active Health Clinic, we offer a holistic approach to wellness, tailored to your unique needs. If you're managing the challenges of an invisible illness, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way. Make an appointment today and begin your journey toward a healthier you.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

“For all the CFS and fibromyalgia suffers out there, time, patience and pacing only make us stronger. I send out love, courage, faith and healing. We can get better!”

- Lee-Anne, 33

Thanks to everyone at AHC for the program and for helping me get my life back. If you doubt if it works, or are afraid to believe that you can be well again, I challenge you: try it and prove it doesn’t work! What have you got to lose?

- Gail, 47

"Active Health Clinic, you are so understanding and compassionate for a terrible illness and I hope that many more will use your services on their path to recovery"

- John, 28