Ep. 145 Empowering Patients with Invisible Illnesses Part 2

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This episode is part 2  of the conversation  with physical therapists Lauren Hogan and Sarah Mueler, discussing the lack of updated physical therapy care for patients with chronic invisible illnesses.  The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding one's condition for better management, debunking the 'no pain, no gain' philosophy, and the role of self-monitoring and journaling in recognizing the body's responses to different activities. Special attention is given to empowering patients to take control of their healthcare, the challenges and strategies for managing conditions like POTS and fibromyalgia, and the overall goal of re-establishing a sense of control for those dealing with invisible health conditions.

00:00 Introduction to Chronic Invisible Illnesses and Physical Therapy Insights
01:03 Understanding Pain and Gaining Control
02:25 Empowering Patients in Their Healthcare Journey
04:27 The Role of Journaling and Activity Monitoring in Managing Chronic Conditions
16:16 Navigating the Challenges of POTS and Autonomic Conditions
20:09 The Power of Listening and Personalized Care in Physical Therapy
25:09 Concluding Thoughts and Key Takeaways

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When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*