CFS/ ME and Fibromyalgia: Theory and Practice

This course...

is: an online live course

is for: Nutritional therapy practitioners, nutritionists, dieticians, naturopaths, other health care providers and final year nutrition students interested in applying functional medicine approaches to health and well-being (i.e. exploring how nutrients, other foods and lifestyle factors influence the function of the body and how to apply findings in a person–centred manner that recognises individuals’ unique differences)

is led by: Virginia Blake

spans: 1 day

provides: ION CPD 5 hours, BANT CPD 5 hours, NNA CPD 5 hours

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Discover the latest research in understanding the causes and pathophysiology of CFS/ME. Learn how to interpret cutting-edge pre-clinical research to better support your clients, and see it all come to life through in-depth case studies.

This course focuses on the research into causes, effects and treatments of CFS/ME and fibromyalgia. We will also cover long covid as this has led to further research into post-viral syndromes. We will review the combination of factors thought to contribute and which conditions to screen for that present with similar symptoms.

This is a difficult area to work in: very complex clients with myriad unexpected reactions to interventions. Progress can be slow and a multi-disciplinary approach is often warranted. Working out where to start is one thing, then your client, finally on an upward trajectory, catches covid 3 times. The advances forward and the setbacks can be hard to manage. I will share my experience of the cases that recover quickly, recover slowly, and the heartsink cases that don’t improve and even worsen.
This course will be broken into 4 distinct areas:
1. Current theories on causes of ME/CFS. This will include mitochondrial dysfunction, immune system dysregulation (including autoantibody research), microvascular dysfunction, calcium signalling and uncontrolled inflammation.
2. In depth discussion of Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is often mentioned briefly when discussing ME/CFS. Although there are similarities in potential causes, the patient population can be quite different. They may be using alcohol and OTC opiates to manage pain, there can be long standing MSK issues to deal with and dealing with chronic pain may have an altering affect on the psyche.
3. Testing and interventions for case management – a review of the most useful tests and interventions – overview with in depth discussion of one particular mechanism – viral load.
4. Case studies where the theory meets the realities of practice.

Examples of the questions it will answer:
What is the latest research on CFS/ME/ FM?
How do I integrate it into my practice?
How do I stage and manage a case?

Which tests and interventions are most useful. The testing market is growing as investors spot an opportunity to benefit from the multi-billion pound health and wellness industry. I will share my knowledge of the tests worth doing and the tests with no sound scientific backing. Your clients will likely have limited budgets if they have been ill for a long time. In practice, I use NHS blood chemistries and multiple questionnaires before considering additional testing, I will walk you through this paper trial and error process, without unnecessary cost burden for clients.
What do real life cases look like? I will share my successes and failures working with this cohort. Most of my clients, I have worked with for years. They have agreed to let me share test results, interventions and outcomes. We will look at their blood chemistries, questionnaires and the functional tests that have helped target case management. This population has some extreme reactions to supplements, I will share what worked, what didn’t and which brands I have found most helpful.
Finally it will aim to inspire you to learn more about this complex condition and to support these really challenging, interesting, heartbreaking and ultimately rewarding set of clients.

By the end of the course, you will be able to

• Create impactful programmes that make a difference to clients with CFS/ ME and FM
• Apply new research findings in your approach to chronic case management.
• Choose tests and supplements with greater confidence
• Avoid potential pitfalls in chronic case management Learn through my reflections and caseload.
• Be more confident in supporting your clients through challenging interventions such as optimized detoxification and viral load management.
• Keep your client motivated through what is likely a long relationship. Average recovery times are approx. 18 months to 2 years.

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About the presenter:

Virginia Blake MSc Nutritional Medicine DipBCNH Nutritional Therapy, mANP

Virginia is a Nutritional Therapist with over 15 years in clinical practice (www.virginiablakenutrition.com) and a strong background in education. She has taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at institutions such as ION, BCNH, and the College of Contemporary Health, delivering content aligned with national professional standards. Her specialist knowledge in chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, digestion, and chronic infection is underpinned by both clinical practice, including clinical work at the Optimum Health Clinic and London Clinic of Nutrition and extensive CPD delivery for practitioners. Virginia has also worked in partnership with the NHS and local authorities to design and deliver impactful community health programmes, demonstrating her ability to translate complex health concepts into accessible strategies for clients.