12/05/2026
Today is International ME/CFS Awareness Day.
ME/CFS - myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - is a complex, chronic condition that can affect every part of daily life.
It is not simply “being tired”.
It is not laziness.
It is not a lack of motivation.
And it is not something someone can just push through.
One of the hallmark symptoms of ME/CFS is post-exertional malaise, often known as PEM. This means symptoms can worsen after physical, mental or emotional effort - sometimes hours or even days later.
For some people, everyday things like showering, preparing food, working, concentrating, socialising, travelling, or leaving the house can come at a real cost.
And if you know someone with ME/CFS, chances are you often see them on one of their better days. What you don’t see is the planning, resting and pacing it took to get there - or the impact afterwards, when symptoms can flare and recovery can take time.
ME/CFS symptoms are multiple and can include debilitating fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, pain, dizziness, headaches, sensory sensitivity, muscle aches, flu-like symptoms, and cognitive difficulties such as brain fog amongst many more.
ME/CFS can affect someone’s ability to work, study, care for family, maintain relationships, exercise, travel, or take part in the life they once knew. Many people also carry the extra burden of being misunderstood, dismissed, or told to “just do a little more” - when pushing through can often make symptoms worse.
There are still limited treatment options, and many people struggle to access the support and understanding they need.
At The Village Osteopaths in Timperley, near Altrincham, we see many patients living with ME/CFS, Long Covid, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and post-viral fatigue presentations, and what stands out to us is not weakness.
It is strength.
The quiet, daily strength it takes to manage symptoms, pace carefully, adapt constantly, and keep going in a world that often doesn’t fully understand.
To everyone living with ME/CFS today: we see you, we believe you, and you deserve understanding and care that respects what your body is going through 🩵
