What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It is a lifelong condition and symptoms can vary from person to person. It most commonly causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea and weight loss, though some people also experience fatigue, fever, joint pain and other symptoms outside the gut.

Common symptoms can include:

• abdominal pain or cramping

• diarrhoea

• weight loss

• fatigue

• reduced appetite

• feeling generally unwell

• joint pain or mouth ulcers in some people.
  
  

How Crohn’s disease may affect daily function

Crohn’s disease affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• fatigue and reduced energy

• physical endurance

• appetite and nutrition

• weight and muscle strength

• confidence with exercise

• daily routines and participation

• work, study or community life

Fatigue is especially common. Crohn’s & Colitis Australia states that fatigue affects over three-quarters of people during a flare-up and about half of people even while in remission. Crohn’s disease can also contribute to malnutrition, muscle wasting, weakness and poor concentration, particularly during active disease.

Nutrition and fatigue considerations

Crohn’s disease can affect nutrition, especially during a flare-up. Inflammation in the gut may reduce nutrient absorption, while symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tiredness and reduced appetite may make it harder to eat enough. This can contribute to:

• weight loss

• muscle wasting

• weakness

• tiredness

• poor concentration

• poor wound healing in some cases.

Because of this, support often needs to be practical and realistic, especially during flares or periods of low energy.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support people with Crohn’s disease where there are goals related to strength, mobility, deconditioning, fatigue-aware movement or return to daily activity. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• gentle movement and mobility support

• strength and conditioning for function

• fatigue-aware activity planning

• support for deconditioning after flare-ups or hospitalisation

• guidance for pacing return to daily activity
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when Crohn’s disease is affecting daily routines, fatigue management, self-care, work or home function. OT may include:

• fatigue management and pacing

• practical strategies for daily routines

• support to reduce effort during everyday tasks

• planning for function during flare-ups and lower-energy periods
  
  

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people living with Crohn’s disease who need support with graded return to exercise, endurance, strength or physical reconditioning. Crohn’s & Colitis Australia notes that exercise can improve psychological health and that symptoms such as pain and fatigue can make activity harder, so starting small and building gradually can help.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not usually relevant to Crohn’s disease itself unless there is a separate communication or swallowing issue unrelated to the bowel condition.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how Crohn’s disease is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

managing fatigue more effectively
rebuilding strength after flares
improving confidence with movement
supporting return to exercise gradually
improving day-to-day function and participation
helping the person pace activity in a sustainable way

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s GP, gastroenterologist, dietitian and broader medical team where appropriate.

FAQ

What is Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It is a lifelong condition and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea and weight loss.

Is Crohn’s disease an autoimmune condition?

Crohn’s disease involves abnormal immune activity and inflammation, although the exact cause is not fully understood. Current explanations point to a combination of genetics, immune system factors and environmental triggers.

Can Crohn’s disease cause fatigue?

Yes. Fatigue is very common in Crohn’s disease and can occur during flare-ups as well as during remission.

Can Crohn’s disease affect weight and nutrition?

Yes. Crohn’s disease can lead to weight loss, nutrient deficiencies, malnutrition and muscle wasting, particularly during active disease or flare-ups.

Can physiotherapy help with Crohn’s disease?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, strength, deconditioning and return to activity, particularly when fatigue, weakness or reduced physical capacity are affecting daily life.

Can exercise help with Crohn’s disease?

For some people, yes. Crohn’s & Colitis Australia notes that exercise may support general health and wellbeing, but pain and fatigue can make activity more difficult, so it is often helpful to start gradually and build up slowly.

Can Crohn’s disease cause joint pain?

Yes. Some people with Crohn’s disease experience symptoms outside the bowel, including joint pain, mouth ulcers, skin changes or eye inflammation.

Can allied health treat Crohn’s disease itself?

No. Crohn’s disease requires medical diagnosis and management. Allied health does not treat the inflammation itself, but may support strength, fatigue management, movement, function and day-to-day quality of life.

When should someone with Crohn’s disease see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when Crohn’s disease is affecting fatigue, strength, activity tolerance, daily living, work, exercise participation or recovery after a flare.

If you are living with Crohn’s disease and would like support with fatigue, strength, movement or return to everyday activity, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

Australian Resources for Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s & Colitis Australia – https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.au
Information, support groups, and resources for Australians living with Crohn’s disease.

Better Health Channel – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Detailed overview of Crohn’s disease, its symptoms, and treatment options.

Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) – https://www.gesa.org.au
Professional body providing research and resources related to digestive health in Australia.

Healthdirect Australia – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au
Government resource offering information on Crohn’s disease and related healthcare services.

IBD Support Australia – https://www.ibdsupport.org.au
A peer support group providing resources and community for people with Crohn’s and Colitis.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.