FatigueSymptoms & Treatment
Persistent tiredness can have medical and lifestyle drivers. Physiotherapy helps with pacing, conditioning and recovery planning.
What to expect in physiotherapy
Assessment
History, sleep and stress review; capacity and triggers; red flags screened.
Plan
Pacing, graded activity, recovery strategies and measurable milestones.
Progress
Advance time under task and intensity; monitor flare‑ups and adjust.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
At‑home management
Pacing
- Break tasks into chunks with rests
- Avoid big spikes in effort
Conditioning
- Short bouts of walking or cycling
- Light strengthening most days
Recovery
- Regular bedtime routine
- Mindfulness or breathing practice
Effective treatments
Energy management
- Pacing, prioritising and planning activity
- Symptom‑guided return to tasks
Graded exercise
- Aerobic and strength work at tolerable doses
- Progress with objective milestones
How a physiotherapist can help
- Assess energy demands and capacity; build graded plan
- Conditioning with symptom‑informed progressions
- Education on pacing, sleep and stress strategies
Common symptoms
- Low energy and reduced exercise tolerance
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Unrefreshing sleep and daytime sleepiness
- Post‑exertional symptom flare‑ups
Common causes
Deconditioning
Low activity levels reduce capacity and tolerance.
Sleep/stress
Poor sleep and stress increase perceived fatigue.
Medical factors
Anemia, infection or illness can drive fatigue.
Pain & meds
Pain and some medicines reduce energy.
Who it affects and typical treatment
Who it affects
- People after illness or long inactivity
- Workers/students with high stress or poor sleep
- Those with chronic pain or long‑term conditions
- Anyone struggling to return to usual activity levels
Typical treatment plan
- Energy management and pacing plan
- Graded conditioning and strength
- Sleep hygiene and stress strategies
- Return‑to‑activity milestones with flare planning
What is fatigue?
Fatigue is persistent tiredness not relieved by rest, often linked to deconditioning, illness, stress or disrupted sleep. A physiotherapist can help identify drivers and build a paced plan to regain energy and function.