Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is a state of extreme tiredness that significantly reduces a person’s ability to perform at their usual level. It can be both physical and mental in nature, often impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.
Physical fatigue refers to a state where the body lacks the strength or energy to carry out tasks that are typically performed with ease. It often results in muscle weakness, reduced endurance, and slower recovery after activity.
Mental fatigue is characterised by an inability to concentrate or process thoughts effectively. It can significantly impact a person’s ability to function in both workplace and home environments.
Fatigue can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced motivation, low mood, poor concentration, and impaired ability to make rational and informed decisions.
What causes Fatigue?
Fatigue can be due to three main factors in a person’s life:
Emotional – Life stresses such as bereavement, work pressures, financial difficulties, and family-related challenges can contribute significantly to both physical and emotional fatigue.
Physical – Physical demands such as intense sporting activity and insufficient sleep are common causes of physical fatigue. Medical conditions like thyroid disorders, anaemia, and obesity can also significantly affect energy levels and overall physical stamina.
Lifestyle – Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, long working hours, and caregiving responsibilities can all contribute to both physical and mental fatigue.
Fatigue can often be short-lived and may result from a variety of factors, including:
Immobility – This can result from a hospital stay, illness, or injury that significantly reduces a person's ability to move or remain active.
Ageing – As a person gets older, energy levels can naturally decline, making them more prone to fatigue and reduced endurance.
De-conditioning – This occurs when a person who was previously physically fit stops training for a period of time, leading to a decline in fitness levels and increased susceptibility to fatigue.
There is also a more chronic condition that can significantly affect energy levels, known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Common symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:
Decreased energy
Minimal motivation
Low mood
Exhaustion
Decreased exercise tolerance
There is currently no known cause or cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS); as a result, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
How can Physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy can help manage and reduce the symptoms of fatigue. The Physiotherapists at AcePhysioSports.com are experienced in supporting individuals experiencing fatigue through personalised treatment plans. Some of the approaches that may assist with symptom management include:
Increasing exercise tolerance
Providing joint pain relief
Lifestyle advice
Self management strategies
What Physiotherapy treatments can be expected for fatigue?
Upon assessment, the Physiotherapist from AcePhysioSports.com will determine the most suitable treatment programme tailored to your needs. This may include:
Aerobic exercise (slow build up of exercise tolerance)
Pacing activities education
Nutritional advice
Lifestyle advice
Electrotherapy (LIPUS, PSWD, Interferential, TENS)
Pain Management
Summary
Fatigue can affect a person’s ability to function at their previous level both physically and mentally. If intervention is not implemented, the condition could deteriorate, impacting their personal and professional life as well as relationships. Physiotherapists from AcePhysioSports.com can offer advice, support, and treatment to those who feel fatigue is affecting their life. Please contact us or call +65 81535374 to arrange an appointment.
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Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
Acephysio Sports have clinics located throughout the Singapore.
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