Invisible Illnesses and Body-Mind Physio

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.

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

- 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.4

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

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.

The Clinical Leader of Invisible Illnesses is Annemarie van der Meulen.