Specialised Treatment
We specialise in treating patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / ME & Fibromyalgia, using a combination of Nutrition, Naturopathy, Osteopathy and Functional Medicine.
Matthew has had personal experience of recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and uses all of this experience along with his training in Osteopathy, Naturopathy & Nutrition to help people fully recover from these life altering conditions. We know the methods to use and teach work! Patients have even travelled from as far afield as France and Scotland for treatment.
What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E & Fibromyalgia?
You probably know that there is much controversy surrounding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / ME & Fibromyalgia.
In our experience the most comprehensive theory explaining Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / ME & Fibromyalgia is that it occurs due to a stressful event or chronic repeated stress over time.
Our bodies’ natural way of dealing with stress is via the sympathetic nervous system, commonly described as the ‘Fight or Flight’ mechanism. Hence, 'Fight or flight' describes a survival mechanism our bodies use to cope with stress, whether this be a physical, dietary / lifestyle or emotional.
However, due to either an overwhelmingly stressful event or chronic repeated stress / trauma, in people with these conditions this ‘Fight or Flight’ mechanism becomes long term and self-propagating, even in the absence of recurring stress.
The Role Of The Lymphatic System In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / M.E & Fibromyalgia
Taking the lymphatic system (a major constituent of the immune system) congestion as an example, research has shown impaired drainage and even retrograde flow of the lymphatic fluid responsible for the transportation of toxins to the liver and kidneys for excretion from the body.
In certain key areas of the body where the lymphatic system drains into the venous circulation i.e. the chest and neck, this congestion can often be detected visually or by palpation.
These physical signs of lymphatic congestion seem to be present in CFS / ME & Fibromyalgia sufferers, making identification easier.
Due to the extensive and critical role of the lymphatic system, impaired drainage and congestion, can affect a whole host of bodily systems, including the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) due to the accumulation of toxins surrounding it.
Hence, improved functioning of the lymphatic system is critical for both a healthy immune and neurological system.
How Can It Be Helped?
Identifying and then altering the factors which have led to the overwhelming of the body’s own coping mechanisms is key. This is also combined with treatment to help the problems in the short term too, to facilitate continuously improving quality of life along the road to recovery.
In fact some symptoms experienced may actually be secondary resultant problems due to the more cardinal features associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / ME & Fibromyalgia. For example, secondary symptoms usually include muscular weakness and pain due to prolonged fatigue and inactivity.
However, the primary symptoms are mostly generated by the chronic activation of the ‘Fight or Flight’ mechanism, and as such are influenced when something make your internal or external environment in some way uncomfortable.
Treatment Approaches
Osteopathic and Nutritional / Naturopathic treatments aim to restore balance to the body’s stress coping mechanisms by identifying and if indicated treating areas which relate to the sympathetic nervous system (and its opposing nervous system called to Parasympathetic nervous system) imbalance. The interfering factors can be both:
- Intrinsic (resulting from stress internal to the body such as: congestion in the lymphatic system / immune system, impaired detoxification pathways, impaired digestion, posture, and musculoskeletal dysfunction)
- Extrinsic (factors external to the body such as: lifestyle, dietary, and / or environmental factors).
Treatment Options
Treatment involves using an Osteopathic approach of working to try to drain the fluids, mobilisation of the spine and specific massage of the soft tissues in the head, neck, back, and chest to direct toxins from the lymphatic system so they can be properly dealt with. The aim of which is to balance the sympathetic nervous system and to encourage normal lymphatic drainage to prevent continued congestion and the build up of toxins.
This combined with Nutritional / Naturopathic advice such as methods of improving the natural pathways and mechanisms of detoxification, the identification of intolerances / allergies, addressing dietary and lifestyle factors, the phased return to appropriate exercise and self care advice.