Chronic fatigue syndrome in the osteopathic model is viewed as a manifestation of a systemic functional imbalance, accompanied by a decrease in the body’s adaptive capacity and persistent tissue-level compensation.

Patients complain of persistent exhaustion not directly related to physical activity, decreased performance, sleep disturbances, myalgia, and a feeling of “internal de-energization.” However, objective laboratory data often reveal no significant organic pathology.

From an osteopathic perspective, the key is not the diagnosis per se, but rather the assessment of global tissue mobility and the quality of their interactions.

Osteopathic findings in chronic fatigue

In clinical practice, the most frequently identified findings are:
• Generalized fascial tension
• Decreased tissue elasticity and hydration
• Limited mobility of the body’s diaphragms (thoracic, abdominal, pelvic)
• Dysfunction of the cervicoccipital junction
• Limited mobility of the cranial and sacral bones
• Impaired venous and lymphatic drainage

Chronic fascial tension creates persistent compensatory patterns, in which a significant portion of the body’s energy resources is expended on maintaining adaptation rather than on recovery.

Principles of Osteopathic Correction

Osteopathic treatment is aimed at:
• restoring physiological tissue mobility
• eliminating somatic dysfunctions
• normalizing craniosacral mobility
• releasing diaphragmatic restrictions
• improving nutrition and drainage processes

Myofascial release techniques, craniosacral therapy, gentle articulatory and functional methods, and visceral correction are used.

The work is based on the principle of identifying the primary dysfunction and eliminating the key restrictions that maintain the state of exhaustion.

Clinical Outcome

With consistent osteopathic work, the following is observed:
• reduction in the feeling of chronic tension
• improved sleep quality
• increased subjective energy level
• restoration of resistance to stress

Chronic fatigue syndrome is considered in osteopathy as a condition in which the body needs to restore structural and functional balance.

Creating conditions for normal tissue mobility and free circulation is the basis for restoring the patient’s adaptive resources and vital energy.

Doctor-traumotolog, osteopat Sergiy Granenko