Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment at Holistic Physio – Whole-Body Care for Lasting Energy
Living with constant exhaustion that never seems to go away can feel overwhelming. Chronic fatigue isn’t just about being “tired” — it’s a serious health condition that affects the body, mind, and quality of life. At Holistic Physio in Brisbane, we support people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) using a gentle, integrated approach that combines Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Clinical Pilates, and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and long-term medical condition. Unlike ordinary tiredness, the fatigue in CFS is severe, persistent, and not relieved by rest. Even small amounts of physical or mental activity can make symptoms worse — this is called Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) and is one of the hallmark features of the condition.
From a scientific perspective, CFS is recognised as a multi-system disorder. It involves disruptions in:
- Energy production – Cells may struggle to produce enough ATP (the body’s energy “currency”), especially in the mitochondria, leaving people in a constant energy shortfall.
- Immune function – Research shows signs of chronic, low-grade inflammation and abnormal immune responses, which may cause “flu-like” fatigue.
- Nervous system regulation – Many with CFS experience autonomic nervous system dysfunction (dysautonomia), which makes it harder to regulate blood pressure, circulation, and digestion. This explains why dizziness, fainting, and “brain fog” are so common.
- Cognitive function – People with CFS often report memory problems and difficulty concentrating. Studies show reduced blood flow and altered activity in certain brain regions during mental tasks.
CFS is now understood as more than tiredness — it’s a systemic condition affecting the way the body regulates energy, stress, and immunity.
What Are the Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The exact cause of CFS is still unknown, but research suggests it arises from a combination of biological triggers and imbalances in body systems.
1. Post-Infectious Triggers
Many people report that their CFS began after a viral or bacterial infection. Viruses such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Ross River Virus, or even influenza have been linked. Scientists believe the immune system in some people stays “switched on” too long after infection, leading to ongoing fatigue and inflammation.
2. Immune System Dysfunction
People with CFS often show immune “abnormalities,” such as higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (messenger chemicals) and lower activity of natural killer cells (a key defence cell). This means the immune system may be overactive in some ways and underactive in others, which drains energy and weakens resilience.
3. Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Mitochondria are the tiny “power plants” of cells. Several studies suggest they don’t function properly in CFS, leading to less efficient energy production. This is why even light activity can leave people wiped out and why recovery is so slow.
4. Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation
The autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic functions like heart rate and blood pressure, often doesn’t regulate properly in CFS. This causes orthostatic intolerance — feeling faint, dizzy, or drained when standing up due to poor blood flow to the brain.
5. Hormonal Imbalances
The body’s stress response system (the HPA axis) is often irregular in CFS. Some studies show lower-than-normal cortisol levels, which makes it harder to manage stress and inflammation.
6. Genetic and Environmental Factors
There may be genetic predispositions that make some people more vulnerable. Environmental stressors such as ongoing stress, poor sleep, or exposure to toxins may then trigger or worsen the condition.
In short: CFS is like a system-wide energy crisis — the immune system, mitochondria, hormones, and nervous system stop working together, leaving the body unable to recover properly.
How Can Acupuncture Help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Acupuncture has been shown in studies to improve fatigue, sleep quality, and pain in people with CFS. By inserting fine needles into specific points, acupuncture may:
- Regulate the immune system – calming overactivity and reducing inflammation
- Improve energy flow (Qi) – restoring balance across the meridian pathways
- Support deeper sleep – encouraging more restorative sleep cycles
- Reduce stress and anxiety – calming the nervous system and lowering cortisol
Many people report feeling lighter, calmer, and more energised after treatment. Regular acupuncture may help retrain the body’s natural healing systems over time.
How Can Physiotherapy Help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Exercise often makes CFS symptoms worse, but movement is still important for long-term health. That’s why physiotherapy for CFS must be gentle, personalised, and carefully paced.
At Holistic Physio, we use graded movement therapy, which means:
- Supporting blood circulation without exhausting the body
- Relieving stiff muscles and joints from inactivity
- Teaching posture and breathing patterns that conserve energy
- Using pacing strategies to avoid post-exertional “crashes”
The aim is not to push, but to rebuild confidence in movement, one small step at a time.
How Can Clinical Pilates Help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Clinical Pilates offers a safe way to gently strengthen the body without triggering flare-ups. It focuses on controlled, low-impact movement tailored to your current energy levels.
It can help by:
- Strengthening postural and core muscles to reduce strain
- Improving flexibility and movement efficiency, so you use less energy daily
- Supporting breathing and body awareness
- Reducing stiffness without overloading the system
At Holistic Physio, Pilates is always one-on-one, so we can adapt exercises to your energy on the day.
How Can Chinese Herbal Medicine Help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
In Chinese Herbal Medicine, chronic fatigue often relates to Qi deficiency or imbalance. Herbal formulas are designed to gently restore vitality. Modern research supports this, showing certain herbs may:
- Support mitochondrial energy production
- Balance the immune system to reduce inflammation
- Nourish the nervous system to improve sleep and calm the mind
- Strengthen digestion, which is often weakened in people with fatigue
Every formula at Holistic Physio is individually prescribed based on your unique symptoms, so treatment is personalised and safe.
Holistic Care for Chronic Fatigue in Brisbane
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Holistic Physio, we combine the best of Western science and Chinese Medicine wisdom to create an individualised plan for recovery.
Our integrated approach focuses on:
- Calming the nervous system
- Supporting energy production
- Restoring balance across the body
- Helping you regain confidence in daily life
Call us today to discuss how we can support your chronic fatigue recovery, or
Book an appointment online and take the first gentle step towards feeling more energised and balanced.
Acupuncture at Holistic Physio: Ancient Healing for Modern Stress
At Holistic Physio, we understand the toll that modern life takes on the body. Chronic stress, fatigue, poor sleep, and emotional strain are increasingly common – and often interconnected. That’s why we offer acupuncture as part of our “whole-body approach” to healing, helping clients restore balance and vitality from the inside out.
What Is Acupuncture and Why It Works
Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a time-tested therapy that stimulates the body’s natural healing response. By gently inserting ultra-fine needles into specific points along energy pathways (meridians), we help regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. It’s not just about symptom relief – it’s about treating the root cause of imbalance.
Stress Relief and Holistic Recovery
Acupuncture is especially effective for stress-related conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and chronic pain. At Holistic Physio, we use acupuncture to calm the mind, regulate cortisol levels, and support parasympathetic recovery. Clients often report deeper sleep, improved mood, and a renewed sense of clarity after treatment.
Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Wellness
Unlike conventional treatments that focus on isolated symptoms, acupuncture encourages the body to heal itself. It’s a gentle yet powerful therapy that aligns perfectly with our integrated care model – combining physiotherapy, herbal medicine, and clinical Pilates to support long-term wellness.
Led by Sandra Tan, our clinic blends decades of experience with genuine compassion. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, burnout, or emotional fatigue, acupuncture at Holistic Physio offers a safe, effective path to recovery. It’s more than a treatment – it’s a reconnection to your body’s natural rhythm and resilience.