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.