Dr Nicola Clague-Baker, a Lecturer in Physiotherapy from the School of Health Sciences, has co-authored an informative new book for physiotherapists about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
‘A Physiotherapist's Guide to Understanding and Managing ME/CFS’ includes an in-depth explanation and history of the condition, whilst also providing valuable insights into its symptoms, varying degrees of severity and effective management strategies.
ME / CFS is a complex, acquired multi-systemic disease with a profound dysfunction /dysregulation of the neurological control system. It affects more than 250,000 people in the UK, surpassing cases of Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease combined. The condition causes greater functional impairment and reduced quality of life compared to many other chronic conditions.
Dr Clague-Baker has over 30 years of clinical experience working in the UK and USA and works closely with the ME community as part of a group of physiotherapists called PhysiosforME. Utilising this experience, the guide aims to address a lack of awareness of the condition within physiotherapy education and practice.
Described as the ‘fundamental text’ for ‘physiotherapists working in the field of post-infectious conditions’, this guide highlights essential ideas for effective physiotherapy through detailed management advice and discussion on how the information can directly inform physiotherapy practice, supplemented with patient case studies.
Dr Clague-Baker commented: "Produced together with the other co-founders of Physios for ME, this book was created for physiotherapists and all healthcare professionals (HCPs) so that people with ME/CFS could receive improved care and support.
Very few physiotherapy and medical courses teach anything about ME/CFS yet prior to COVID-19, it was estimated that there were approximately 24 million cases worldwide. However, the incidence of ME/CFS is likely to double since COVID-19 as over 80% of ME/CFS cases are post-viral.
One of the key messages for HCPs is that there is a potential to cause harm if people with ME/CFS are not supported appropriately as people with ME/CFS can have adverse physiological reactions to any activity. This book provides an evidence-based approach to supporting people with ME/CFS."
A Physiotherapist's Guide to Understanding and Managing ME/CFS is now available in all good book shops.