This page has been written by the Physiotherapy Services at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine. It is intended for patients (or their family or carers) who may be referred to this clinic.
Physiotherapy helps to treat movement and function difficulties when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It involves a holistic approach that involves the patient directly in their own care and uses various techniques, such as education, exercise and manual therapy.
Physiotherapy provided at RLHIM for ME/CFS and FMS is in line with NICE (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence) and EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology) guidelines for these conditions.
The aims of physiotherapy for ME/CFS and FMS are:
- Learning strategies to manage difficulties caused by reduced physical activity or mobility.
- Learning strategies to self-manage pain (if you have significant pain).
- Finding your physical activity baseline at a level that does not worsen your symptoms.
- Learning how to add a physical activity or exercise programme into your routine without worsening your symptoms.
- Learning how to progress your physical activity or exercise programmes without worsening your symptoms.
- Learning strategies to manage flare-ups and relapses.
At the first assessment you and the physiotherapist will discuss your symptoms, current activity patterns and specific needs you have. You may also be given a questionnaire to fill out which allows us to measure the severity of your symptoms and to record your progress.
The physiotherapist may also do a physical examination if you are having issues with pain, stiffness, joint instability and muscle weakness. Please wear comfortable clothes and footwear. If you require a physical examination please bring shorts, leggings and/or vest tops.
The assessment and treatment may involve physical contact. You may wish to have a chaperone in the room. It is possible that you may have a male physiotherapist, if you would prefer a female physiotherapist, please inform the consultant referring you.
The physiotherapist will work with you to develop an appropriate exercise/activity programme and treatment plan.
You will have a maximum of six sessions with the physiotherapist. There may be a gap of a few months in between sessions so that you have time to adapt to a programme or routine change.
You may be taught gentle stretching and relaxation exercises that may help with pain management and gentle strengthening exercises to improve strength without making your symptoms worse.
You may be referred to Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates classes that take place in the hospital.
If it is appropriate you may a course of up to six sessions of manual therapy that could include acupuncture.
At the end of the course of physiotherapy treatment you may be asked to complete a questionnaire to measure your progress. The physiotherapist will write a report to your GP, and you will be discharged from the physiotherapy service.
Appointments may be via telephone, video or face to face. You can choose which you prefer.
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know at least 48 hours beforehand so we can offer your appointment to someone else. If you do not attend your appointment without telling us, you may be discharged.
When you have completed the course of sessions the physiotherapist will write a report to your GP.
The RLHIM is also a teaching hospital and from time to time other healthcare professionals may observe in outpatient clinics as part of a training course. We will always ask your permission for students to sit in during your consultation. You do not have to have students present if you would prefer not to.
NHS Choices provides information and an opportunity to provide feedback about our service.
Patient Services
The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, 60 Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3HR
Switchboard: 020 3456 7890
Tel: 020 3448 2000
Fax: 020 3448 2004
Email: uclh.
Website: www.
The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM) is part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
You will be referred into the Physiotherapy Service by your doctor here at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine if they feel it would be helpful as part of your overall care.
We do not accept external referrals for Physiotherapy.
Services
Page last updated: 03 December 2024
Review due: 01 November 2026