#17 From Stress to Strength: Understanding Chronic Pain and Hormonal Health

In this episode, physiotherapist Shauna Mann discusses the importance of looking at the body as a whole and the connection between internal and external factors. She shares her journey with stress-induced early menopause and how functional medicine helped her regain control of her health. Shauna explains the process of gathering information through storytelling and conducting a functional medicine assessment to uncover the root causes of chronic pain and hormonal dysfunction. She emphasizes listening to patients' stories and developing a therapeutic partnership. Shauna also highlights the power of combining functional medicine and shockwave therapy to provide comprehensive care.

Takeaways

The body is a complex system, and it is essential to look at it as a whole rather than focusing on isolated symptoms or injuries.

Functional medicine takes a systems approach to health, considering the interconnectedness of various body systems and addressing the root causes of symptoms.

Listening to patients' stories and gathering detailed information is crucial for understanding their health history and identifying potential underlying imbalances.

Modifiable lifestyle factors such as sleep, movement, nutrition, stress, and relationships are significant in overall health and should be addressed alongside specific treatments.

Combining functional medicine and other modalities like shockwave therapy can provide comprehensive care and help patients achieve optimal health.

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:23 Functional Medicine and Personal Experience

09:16 The Power of Listening and Developing a Therapeutic Partnership

20:39 Understanding the Interconnectedness of the Body

33:01 Taking a Function-Based Approach to Health

41:42 Case Study: Looking Beyond the Surface

46:08 Final Thoughts and Conclusion