Recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Why Pacing and Rehab Work Together

Not long ago, I had a client who felt like her energy levels were stuck on empty—even after sleeping well. She’d say things like, “It’s like I’m walking through quicksand.” It reminded me of a time I pushed myself too hard during college and ended up drained for days. That lesson stuck with me: sometimes, the key isn’t doing more—it’s doing things differently.

That’s the idea behind pacing—and why we pair it with gentle rehab for people recovering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Recovery from CFS isn’t about “powering through.” It’s about listening to your body and working with it, not against it.

So, what is pacing?

Pacing is all about balance. It means learning how to manage your energy wisely so you don’t crash after doing too much. Think of your energy like money in a bank. Spend too much in one go, and you’re in the red. Pacing helps you “budget” your energy so you can get through your day without feeling wiped out.

It’s not about doing nothing—it’s about doing just enough. And over time, that’s what allows your body to slowly build back strength.

Why pairing pacing with rehab makes sense

When someone comes into our Ballina clinic with symptoms of chronic fatigue—whether from post-viral fatigue, burnout, or long COVID—we don’t throw them into a hard workout. That would only make things worse.

Instead, we use a mix of pacing techniques and rehabilitation tools to:

• Help rebuild strength slowly

• Improve movement patterns without overloading the body

• Support the nervous system and reduce flare-ups

It’s a steady and supported approach, tailored to how the person is feeling that day—not what a plan on paper says they “should” do.

What you can expect from this approach

We work with you to:

✔️ Track your daily energy levels
✔️ Identify activities that drain vs. support your recovery
✔️ Introduce gentle, guided exercises tailored to your body
✔️ Avoid the “boom and bust” cycle that often leads to setbacks
✔️ Build consistency—without pressure

At ARC Rehabilitation and Pilates, our goal is always to improve your quality of life—whether that’s helping you walk the beach again, return to work, or just feel like yourself for the first time in months.

Don’t ignore what your body is telling you

If you’re dealing with persistent fatigue and feel like no one’s listening, we get it. Many of our clients tell us they felt dismissed elsewhere before they found us. But CFS is real. And with the right approach, you can recover—step by step.

You don’t need to do it alone.

Let’s take the next step together

If any of this sounds familiar, or if you’re just tired of being tired, we’d love to help. Our team in Ballina is trained in gentle, supportive rehab methods that work with pacing—not against it.

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Or better yet, drop by for a chat. We’re here to help you feel hopeful—and get back to doing the things you love.