Frequently Asked Questions
-
As an Integrative Exercise Physiologist and Pain/Fatigue Coach I help people living with chronic pain, fatigue, dysautonomia and other related conditions regain stability, function, and confidence in daily life.
I use an evidence-based, whole-person approach that combines movement, pacing strategies, nervous system regulation, and practical tools tailored to your unique needs.
Rather than quick fixes, I focus on sustainable progress, helping you understand your body, manage symptoms, and rebuild capacity safely. Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and always adapted to your current energy and goals. -
At Heal & Thrive, our approach goes beyond symptom management. While traditional medical care often focuses on diagnosis and medication, we take a whole-person, evidence-informed approach that integrates:
Knowledge sharing about how your condition works and what drives your symptoms
Self-management strategies, including pacing, energy conservation, and nervous system regulation
Guided reconditioning and movement, tailored to your capacity
Collaborative planning with your GP or healthcare team
This allows you to actively participate in your recovery, understand your limits, and gradually rebuild function in a way that is safe, sustainable, and personalised to your goals.
-
Telehealth at Heal & Thrive works just like an in-person session, but over a secure video platform. During your appointments, we can:
Discuss your symptoms, goals, and daily challenges in detail.
Guide you through tailored exercises, pacing strategies, and nervous system regulation techniques.
Review symptom tracking, energy management plans, and practical strategies you can implement at home.
Most of my work focuses on education, coaching, planning, and guided movement, all of which are highly effective for chronic pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia, POTS and related conditions. Many clients find telehealth convenient and just as impactful as in-person care.
-
Your first session at Heal & Thrive is an extended, in-depth consultation designed to understand you and your condition fully. We will:
Discuss your health history, current symptoms, and past treatments (what’s worked and what hasn’t).
Review any related health conditions that may affect your care.
Explore your goals and what meaningful improvement looks like for you.
After gathering this information, I’ll share knowledge about the underpinning causes of your condition and construct a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. I can also liaise with your GP or healthcare team if required to ensure coordinated care.
This session sets the foundation for a safe, evidence-informed, and practical approach to building stability, energy, and function.
-
Chronic fatigue is characterised by inappropriate, severe fatigue that worsens with exertion and doesn’t improve with rest or sleep. In contrast, ordinary tiredness typically resolves after adequate rest or sleep. If your fatigue is persistent, unrelenting, and affects daily functioning, it may indicate a condition like chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
-
The term "Medically Invisible Illnesses" encompass a range of conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, Long COVID, and others. The term "medically invisible" is used because, more often than not, traditional medical exams and tests like blood tests, MRIs, and CT scans don't provide a clear picture of what's happening. It's crucial to understand that just because these conditions aren't easily detected through standard medical procedures, it doesn't mean they're not real or serious. Contrary to common misconceptions, these conditions are not a product of the imagination or solely psychological. They demand serious attention. Managing these conditions goes beyond biomedical approaches; it requires a comprehensive strategy involving cognitive, behavioral, movement, and lifestyle considerations, as well as medical management.
-
Managing chronic pain mentally involves adopting helpful strategies like mindfulness, meditation, and seeking mental health support. Staying active and engaged in meaningful activities can also improve mental well-being. Building a strong support network and focusing on achievable goals helps foster resilience and provides a sense of purpose.
-
It is likely you have Long COVID, also known as PASC, if you experience ongoing symptoms approximately 3 months after a COVID-19 infection. Symptoms of an acute COVID-19 infection typically resolve within 2–4 weeks. Long COVID symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, and joint discomfort.
-
Exercise is not inherently dangerous for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. However, exceeding your body’s limits can worsen symptoms and prolong your condition. When carefully tailored and introduced in appropriate amounts, exercise can help gradually improve functional capacity, build resilience, and support overall well-being without causing setbacks.
-
While it’s true that conditions like CFS or fibromyalgia currently don’t have a known cure, many individuals experience significant improvement or even remission with the right treatment. Just as people with other chronic conditions—like rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis—can find relief and regain function, you too can reduce symptoms, increase capacity, and return to a more fulfilling life. Recovery is possible, and progress is achievable with the right support.
-
The main symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) include dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing, rapid heart rate, fatigue, brain fog, nausea, and sometimes fainting. Individuals may also experience headaches, difficulty concentrating, and gastrointestinal issues. Symptoms tend to worsen with prolonged standing or physical exertion and improve with lying down.
-
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) can be diagnosed by a range of healthcare professionals, including general practitioners (GPs), specialist physicians such as rheumatologists, neurologists, and immunologists, and sometimes, clinical psychologists. It is important to understand that a diagnosis is typically done by “exclusion”, or ruling out all other potential causes of fatigue and other symptoms.