Fatigue Management 

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired—it’s a persistent sense of physical, mental, or emotional exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. It can significantly impact a person’s ability to carry out daily activities, maintain independence, and enjoy life.

Fatigue is a common and often debilitating symptom associated with a range of long-term health conditions, including:

  • Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and motor neurone disease
  • Post-stroke or brain injury recovery
  • Post-COVID syndrome (Long COVID)
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)

Purpose of Fatigue Management

The goal of fatigue management is to help individuals:

  • Understand their fatigue and its triggers
  • Develop strategies to conserve energy
  • Improve participation in meaningful activities
  • Enhance quality of life and independence

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Occupational Therapists play a vital role in supporting people to manage fatigue effectively. Through a holistic, person-centred approach, we work with individuals to help identify how fatigue affects their daily life and tailoring strategies to their unique needs and goals.

This is what to expect: 

Education and Awareness

  • Helping individuals understand the nature of fatigue
  • Identifying physical, cognitive, and emotional contributors

Energy Conservation Techniques

  • Teaching the “4 Ps”: Pacing, Planning, Prioritising, and Positioning
  • Encouraging activity-rest balance to prevent overexertion

Routine and Activity Modification

  • Adapting daily routines to reduce energy demands
  • Recommending assistive equipment or environmental changes

Cognitive Strategies

  • Supporting memory, attention, and concentration challenges
  • Managing mental fatigue through task simplification

Emotional and Psychological Support

  • Addressing the emotional impact of fatigue
  • Promoting coping strategies and self-compassion

Why It Matters

Fatigue can be invisible but life-altering. With the right support, individuals can regain control, improve their function, and re-engage in the activities that matter most to them. Occupational therapy empowers people to live well with fatigue—not just manage it.