In the third episode of our occupational therapist-led podcast series, we explore fatigue - its clinical definition, impact on work, and how occupational therapists can support individuals living with long-term fatigue conditions such as ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, long COVID, and more. Host:

• 🎙️ Jo Vallom-Smith – Chair of the Special Interest Group for Allied Health Professionals, Society of Occupational Medicine

Guest:

• 🎙️ Charlie Adler – Occupational Therapist at Vitality 360, fatigue and pain specialist with extensive experience since 1997

🔍 In This Episode:

• How clinical fatigue differs from everyday tiredness
• Diagnoses commonly associated with fatigue (ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, long COVID, etc.)
• The complex interplay of fatigue, pain, and mental health
• Challenges fatigue presents in the workplace—from concentration to cognitive overload
• Common symptoms: “walking through treacle,” memory lapses, sensory overwhelm
• How OTs support people to return to and remain in work
• Practical workplace adjustments: flexible hours, breaks, hybrid work, sensory environments
• The importance of individualised, holistic, biopsychosocial approaches
• Why occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to help with fatigue management

🛠️ Useful Resources:

• 📘 Living with ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Dr. Coakley & Beverly Knops
• 🔗 Vitality 360 – Specialist fatigue support
• 🔗 BACME – British Association of Clinicians in ME/CFS
• 🔗 MS Society – Fatigue and Work
• 🔗 Royal College of Occupational Therapists – Fatigue Resources

The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.