We live in an era where health and medical sciences know more about the human body than ever before. Advanced diagnostic tools determine what is wrong and then practitioners decide how to fix that. But what happens when you have health issues that can’t be seen? Can’t be tested? And can’t be explained? Your symptoms are invisible and your amazing human body is trying to tell us something.
A few examples of Invisible Illnesses are:
- Fibromyalgia
- POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
- Headache/ Migraine
- Dizziness/ PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness)
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)/ bladder/ bowel issues
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Pain
- Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
- Long COVID
- CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
- Dysautonomia
- EDS (Elhers Danlos Syndrome)
- The physical challenges associated with Neurodivergence, Autism, ADHD
- Changes to the immune system
If you seek help for these problems and practitioners have no answers at all or ‘solutions’ that don’t work, it can be very disheartening.
At Through Life Physiotherapy, we believe that the human body is amazing. We also understand that the human body can develop huge challenges, especially when it is not fully understood. Acute or persistent pain, chronic illness, ongoing stress, or mental health problems can lead to changes in your body.
If your body is living with the challenge of Invisible Illness, it may be sending you signals. These signals are easily ignored or not recognized for what they are. Following, are a range of Physical, Psychological and Behavioural Signals. Please contact us and ask to see our Invisible Illness Team if you are experiencing any of these signals, if they are interfering with your life and you would like to find a way forward.
Physical signals:
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Tension in neck/ shoulder/ arm/ back
- Tension type headaches
- Nausea, gut/ bowel issues
- Low immune system
- Chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath
- Dizziness, high blood pressure
- Insomnia or oversleeping
Psychological signals:
- Restlessness
- Short attention span, concentration, forgetful
- Overthinking, trouble making decisions
- Irritable, irritated, short fused
- Feeling down, anxious
- No joy/ enjoyment, no interest in life
- Insecure, reduced self esteem
- Concerned about future and health
- Moody/ mood changes
- Burn out
Behavioural Signals:
- Reduced performance, making more mistakes
- Bursts of rage, crying spells
- Imbalanced emotions
- Increase of smoking/ alcohol consumption/ medication/ tranquilizers
- Avoiding social contacts
- Overeating
As physiotherapists we are specialised in working with your body; the connection between physical and mental health, the movement system and physiological functioning. At Through Life Physiotherapy, we specialise in the treatment of invisible illnesses and stress related conditions.
We can help you understand your body and patterns of movement, find efficient coping mechanisms, and regain physical and mental resilience/ strength. Our aim is to restore balance, help you achieve your goals and have more quality of life.
Common interventions are:
- Exercises/ Clinical Pilates / Body and Brain Rehab
- Pain Science Education
- Pacing/ Graded activity
- Relaxation/ breathing exercises
- Mindfulness/ Acceptance-Commitment Therapy
- Pain and Stress education
- Cognitive behavioural interventions
- Therapeutic bodywork
- Sleep hygiene
- Motivational interviewing/ decision making strategies
- Trauma focussed Physiotherapy
- Psychological methods to treat symptoms in the body
Your first consultation will be an interview and assessment, so we understand your complaints and expectations. We have a holistic approach looking at the possible physical, emotional, and mental load. Together with you, we make a treatment plan and look for the cause of your problems. An active approach to the treatment process will help you reach your goals.
