Living with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) can affect almost every aspect of daily life.
Symptoms may include profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), difficulties with concentration and memory, sleep disturbance, pain, dizziness and reduced tolerance for everyday physical and cognitive activity.
At Wolds Holistic Health, we provide specialist, individualised support for people living with ME/CFS. Our approach focuses on understanding your symptoms, your current energy limits and the impact the condition is having on your life.
Specialist ME/CFS Physiotherapy & Support
Helena works as the Lead Specialist Physiotherapist for the Hull & East Riding NHS Chronic Fatigue Service and has extensive experience supporting people with ME/CFS and other energy-limiting conditions.
Specialist consultations are available in person at our clinics, or online throughout the UK and internationally.
Our Approach to ME/CFS
ME/CFS is much more than simply feeling tired.
One of its key features is post-exertional malaise (PEM), where symptoms can worsen following levels of physical, cognitive, emotional or social activity that may previously have been manageable.
We therefore do not use a one-size-fits-all exercise programme or ask you to continually increase activity regardless of symptoms
Instead, we work with you to understand your individual pattern of symptoms and help you find sustainable ways of managing activity within your current capacity.
Support may include:
Individualised assessment – exploring your symptoms, daily activity, triggers, fluctuations and the impact of ME/CFS on everyday life.
Pacing and energy management – helping you balance activity and rest and reduce cycles of overactivity and symptom exacerbation.
Understanding post-exertional malaise – recognising your individual triggers and developing strategies to minimise significant symptom flares.
Movement and mobility – gentle, individually appropriate movement where this can be tolerated without worsening symptoms.
Breathing and relaxation strategies – supporting breathing patterns, relaxation and symptom management where appropriate.
Education and self-management – helping you better understand your condition and develop practical strategies for everyday life.
Returning to activity – where your health allows, supporting a careful and flexible return to meaningful activities without rigid progression targets.
Support That Works With Your Body
There is no fixed programme that is appropriate for everyone with ME/CFS.
Some people may be able to tolerate gentle strengthening or movement, while others may need to focus primarily on pacing, positioning, symptom management and conserving energy.
Your plan is adapted according to your symptoms and your response, rather than expecting you to meet predetermined activity or exercise targets.
Our aim is to help you make the best use of the energy and capacity you currently have while supporting independence, confidence and quality of life.
Specialist Online ME/CFS Consultations
Travelling to appointments can itself be exhausting for people living with ME/CFS. Online consultations allow you to access specialist support from home and can be adapted around your individual needs.
Appointments can include assessment, pacing and energy-management advice, symptom-management strategies, movement advice and an individualised management plan.
Online appointments are available across the UK and internationally.