Conditions - Fatigue - Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

Patrick Massey MD, PhD ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy, Elk Grove Village Il and serving the Chicago area

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is the name for a group of symptoms, especially profound fatigue, for a minimum of six months, not the result of exertion and not made better by rest. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not clear. There is no laboratory test or biomarker for chronic fatigue syndrome. However the following symptoms usually lead to a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome:

New onset persistent fatigue	Changes in memory and cognition	Post-exertional, prolonged fatigue and illness
Sleep not refreshing	Muscle pain	Joint pain
Headaches	Sore throat	Irritable bowel syndrome (click here)
Low blood pressure	Shortness of breath	Food and environmental allergies
Orthostatic hypotension (dizzy if standing up fast or too long)	Depression	Anxiety
Mood swings	Panic attacks	Enlarged neck and armpit lymph nodes

Many causes have been hypothesized about chronic fatigue including viral and bacteria infections (Lyme's disease may look like chronic fatigue syndrome), stress, immune dysfunction and psychosocial issues.

Traditional therapies include medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise and gradually increasing activities of daily living but the benefits are limited. Alternative therapies for chronic fatigue syndrome are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

For chronic fatigue syndrome, the ALT-MED integrative medicine approach

Rule out known causes of fatigue like adrenal fatigue (click here), sick euthyroid syndrome (click here) and leaky gut syndrome (click here),
Specific supplements to improve symptoms and treat the condition
Intravenous vitamins – especially vitamin C – highly recommended (click here)

Massage therapy to reduce stress (click here)

Acupuncture may also be beneficial (click here)

Energy medicine for anxiety, fatigue (click here)

Lifestyle changes to relieve daily stress, improve energy and health

Let us help you…call (847) 923-0046 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Massey

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Dear Dr. Massey,

... I wanted to thank you for your encouragement, patience, and caring attitude. I almost gave up on getting better, both with you had such an optimistic view that I would get better and I most certainly did!

I do my exercises six times a week and I never felt better! I really appreciate all you have done for me and feel very blest that I was referred to your clinic! Happy holidays and sincere thanks

- Nora Blazek
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