Fibromyalgia presented by Jennifer Smallridge AEP and Florence Kelly AEP
A holistic approach for movement professionals
We start at an unexpected place with a few ‘F-words’. That is frequent widespread pain; unexplained flare-ups; fatigue; foggy; and results coming back “fine”. These speak to the major symptom presentations and lack of tissue damage or definitive testing that results in fibromyalgia being an invisible illness.
Connection Medicine’s Jennifer Smallridge AEP and Florence Kelly AEP offer insight to the nuances of working well with this population. As practitioners we can support individuals to gain confidence in moving their body, and improve both their symptoms and their experience of living with fibromyalgia.
The current known pathophysiology involves abnormal pain processing, central nervous system changes and inappropriate immune response. This, along with widespread and fluctuating symptoms, demonstrate the value of applying a biopsychosocial lens and a flexible person-centred practice.
A variety of skills are helpful here. Communication styles, pain neuroscience education, and modelling are some examples. Thoughtfully individualising modalities, progression and barrier adjustments allows movement to be a consistent, enjoyable and safe tool.
Expect to let go of perfect programming and linear progressions, but in their place, you can offer a whole lot more.
Jennifer Smallridge is a senior AEP and Clinical Educator with training in Pilates and Therapeutic Yoga. She has a passion for making complex concepts simple and accessible to all.
Florence Kelly is also a senior AEP and Yoga teacher with a decade of experience in private practice. As a mentor and trainer, her role is connecting practitioners to the resources, knowledge and community needed to support clients who are often put in the “too hard basket”.
Jen and Flo both bring great dedication to working with clients with invisible illnesses. Through Connection Medicine, they offer dynamic evidence-based education and mentoring to support health professionals upskill in this niche area.