ME / CFS / Long Covid

Chronic Disease?

Chronic illness refers to a long-term health condition that typically persists for an extended period. Chronic diseases are also known as “Non-communicable diseases” (not passed from person to person) and are a major cause of death among adults. 

Globally 1 in 3 of all adults suffer from multiple chronic conditions and It is predicted that the mortality rate caused by chronic illnesses will increase by a further 17% in the next 10 years. 

Chronic diseases  are generally characterized by a slow progression and can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. The leading chronic diseases in developed countries include;

• Arthritis 

• Cardiovascular disease (strokes and heart attacks)

• Cancer 

• Diabetes 

• Obesity 

Studies since the covid pandemic have highlighted the rise in lesser known forms of chronic illnesses such as;

• Long Covid 

• ME (Myalgic encephalomyelitis)

• CFS (Chronic fatigue syndrome) 

These chronic health conditions are characterized by prolonged severe fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, headaches and severe pain and muscle weakness.

Prevalence of Chronic diseases in the UK

According to the NHS, 40% of the adult population in England over the age of 16 have at least one long-term condition or illness as of 2021. 

1. The number of people living with a major disease in England is set to increase from almost 1 in 6 of the adult population in 2019, to 1 in 5 by 2040. 

2. Chronic diseases currently account for 50% of all GP appointments and 70% of hospital beds. 

3. Chronic health conditions within the UK account for 70% of health and social care spending. 

Therefore the  increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses poses significant challenges for healthcare systems globally, requiring a shift in focus from acute care to long-term management and prevention strategies. This highlights the importance of public health interventions aimed at reducing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Prevalence of Long Covid, ME & CFS

There has clearly been a rise in the number of people developing Long Covid and ME/CFS post Covid pandemic during the past 4 years. 

As of March 2023, an estimated 1.9 million people in private households across the UK—approximately 2.9% of the population—were experiencing self-reported long COVID symptoms. For 1.5 million of these individuals, representing 79% of those affected, these symptoms significantly impaired their daily activities. Fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom, affecting 72% of those with long COVID, followed by difficulty concentrating (51%), muscle aches (49%), and shortness of breath (48%).

Research conducted since the onset of the pandemic indicates that 50% of individuals with long COVID meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, and the prevalence of ME/CFS has been increasing as a consequence of the pandemic.

• 1.5 million people out of the 1.9 million stated symptoms have adversely affected their daily quality of life.

• Fatigue affected 72% of the 1.5 million people 

• Brain fog affected 51% of the 1.5 million people 

• Muscle ache 49% of the 1.5 million people 

• Shortness of breath 48% of the 1.5 million people 

Although the number of diagnosed cases of Long COVID, ME, and CFS is rising, it may seem that these conditions affect only a small portion of the population. However, we understand that many more individuals are experiencing these symptoms, as the diagnostic process is often lengthy and complex. For those who are diagnosed, what is clear is that these chronic conditions have a profound impact on their daily quality of life.

• In 2022 a study comparing 469 Long COVID patients with 338 healthy individuals, researchers identified a significant disparity in physical function and quality of life. Participants completed the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire, which scores on a scale from 0 to 100. The results revealed that the healthy control group had a mean score of 94.9, while those with Long COVID scored notably lower, with a mean of 66.2.

• Another study conducted in 2022 involving 988 patients with Long COVID found that 38% of the participants experienced severe limitations in their ability to work, while 33% suffered from moderate to severe anxiety and depression.

• A 2022 study examining the quality of life in 1,418 patients with ME/CFS utilized a Visual Analogue Scale, ranging from 0 to 100, to assess their well-being. The study found that the mean overall score among these patients was 33.8. The areas most impacted for those with ME/CFS were the ability to perform usual activities, pain, mobility, and self-care.

How can the L’Osteo support the Management of chronic diseases?

L’Osteo Clinic provides a holistic and personalized approach through manual therapy and education to manage chronic health conditions. Our focus is on enhancing physical function, alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life. It is important to note that while manual therapy is a key component of your treatment, it alone may not resolve your chronic condition, but at L’Osteo we are committed to supporting you and your family throughout your healing journey and working collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Manual Therapy 

• Pain Relief, manual therapy techniques, such as massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation, can help reduce pain by relaxing muscle tension, improving blood flow, and releasing endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

• Improved Mobility, for conditions that cause stiffness and limited range of motion, manual therapy can help increase flexibility and joint movement, making it easier for individuals to perform daily activities.

• Enhanced Circulation, techniques used in manual therapy can stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can promote healing and reduce swelling in affected areas.

• Muscle Relaxation, chronic conditions often involve muscle tightness and spasms. Manual therapy helps release these tight muscles, reducing discomfort and improving overall function.

• Postural Adjustments, many chronic conditions are exacerbated by poor posture. Manual therapy can address postural imbalances, leading to better alignment and reducing strain on muscles and joints.

• Stress Reduction, chronic conditions  can contribute to stress and anxiety. Manual therapy can promote relaxation and alleviate stress, which in turn can improve the body's ability to cope with chronic conditions.

• Functional Improvement, by addressing pain, improving mobility, and correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, manual therapy can enhance overall functional ability and quality of life, helping individuals to better manage their chronic conditions.

Education & Self Care

• Education, at L’Osteo, we offer comprehensive guidance and insights into your condition, helping you understand its progression and your current stage on the path to recovery. We work with you to create a clear timeline, clarifying why you are experiencing symptoms now and how far you have come in your healing journey. 

• Self-Care, our practitioners provide expert advice on posture, ergonomics, and exercises to complement the benefits of manual therapy. This holistic approach encourages effective self-care and empowers individuals to manage their condition and return agency back to you! 

Support & Referrals 

• Support, at L’Osteo our commitment extends beyond supporting you throughout your recovery. We recognize that family members who support a loved one with a chronic condition often experience significant stress and impact on their own quality of life. By effectively managing your symptoms and aiding your recovery, we also aim to alleviate this burden on your family, enhancing well-being for both you and your loved ones. We are also available to address any questions your loved ones may have about the condition or how they can best support you. 

• Referrals, we are committed to our duty of candour at L’Osteo, we will work with transparency and responsibility throughout your recovery process. If we determine that additional external support is necessary, we will refer you onto the appropriate healthcare professionals. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you receive the highest quality of care and a seamless recovery experience.