Pain, Fatigue, and Burnout: Does Any Of This Sound Familiar?
Written by Kim Deschamps | Oct 16, 2023
Physiotherapist, Pelvic Health Therapist, Professional Yoga Therapist, Dry Needling Practitioner
Stress affects all of us, and often in unique ways. If you’re experiencing stress along with fatigue, burnout, and/or physical pain, you’ve come to the right place for affirmation. I believe you when you say you feel pain. I believe your experience of fatigue.
As you likely already know, stress is our natural reaction to a perceived threat. Our nervous system kicks into gear through chemical reactions that get our hearts pumping and our breath panting. We were made to handle stress in small doses. But when we don’t complete the stress cycle and we remain stuck in a state of perpetual alert, there can be complications.
Because each of us experience and manage stress differently, and encounter varying degrees of it in our daily lives, there is no one symptom to look out for - nor any single treatment that works for everyone. Stress can take a toll on our emotional health, our mental health, and on what I want to highlight today, which is our physical health.
We get calls weekly from patients who feel pain that they can’t explain. We speak with women who are so fatigued they can’t make it through their normal work day. Stress can present in so many ways and I want you to know that however it presents in your body, you are not alone.
I want to share with you some of the phrases I often hear when I consult with clients about their stress level, fatigue, and pain.
Why do I feel pain all over my body?
Why am I so exhausted?
I have no energy or motivation
My mood is so low.
I am experiencing greater anxiety.
I am experiencing insomnia, my sleep is very interrupted.
My menstrual cycle is irregular and I have greater PMS symptoms.
I have been gaining weight and can't get it under control.
My poor food cravings are out of control.
My skin is awful.
I am experiencing terrible digestive upset: bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, etc.
I am having trouble concentrating; my memory is poor; I can't find the words I want to use.
WHERE Do I Start!?
Does any of that resonate with you? I’m willing to bet that most women can identify with more than one of the statements above. But just because it is common, it doesn’t mean we should accept it.
I’m always relieved when people ask that final question - “Where do I start?” - because that’s one I have an answer for. Start HERE. Start at Holistic Physiotherapy & Wellness, where a circle of care awaits you. Because we don’t just offer any one service, we can provide integrated care to meet all of your wellness needs.
Why does this matter? Because the human body is amazingly complex. High stress levels might be responsible for chronic pain yet, on the other hand, it may be the chronic pain causing stress. Here, we can treat pain, fatigue, and other concerns that impact your wellness.
There’s also no wrong door. You may come in for chiropractic care and be referred to our functional nutritionist. You might come in for a massage and lean into clinical counseling. Together, we’ll work to find the root cause of any symptoms that are creating barriers to you living your best life, free from stress, pain, and fatigue.
If you looked at the list above and didn’t see your unique concern, that’s okay too. Our team is compassionate, caring, and respectful. We want to be your partner in wellness and will listen to everything you can express about how you are feeling in order to customize a treatment plan that works for you.
In the circle of care, there are no wrong doors, no single course of treatment, and no disregard for anyone’s lived experience. Come in and see us soon!
Kim Deschamps
MPT, BKin, PYT, BDN