From Stress to Strength: Understanding Chronic Pain and Hormonal Health

In today’s fast-paced world, where the focus often lies on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root cause, there’s a growing need for a more comprehensive approach to health. At the Unpain Clinic, we champion a philosophy that views the body as a unified system. Everythingsysthere’sere is interconnected. This approach is expertly embodied by Shauna Mann, a seasoned physiotherapist with over 24 years of experience.

Meet Shauna Mann: A Journey from Traditional Physiotherapy to Functional Medicine

Shauna Mann’s career in physiotherapy began after she graduated from the University of Alberta. Over the years, her path took her through various roles, occupational health and a leadership capacity. However, her true passion lies in being at the forefront of client care, helping individuals manage pain and truly heal.

Her personal experiences have deeply influenced her professional journey. Shauna recounts how stress led her into early menopause at 44, a situation that traditional medicine was ill-prepared to handle. The lack of holistic guidance prompted her to dive into functional medicine, leading her to read over 25 books on the subject and eventually enroll at the Institute of Functional Medicine in January 2024.

Understanding Chronic Pain: Why Traditional Medicine Isn’t Enough

Traditional medicine typically focuses on treating the immediate symptoms of chronic pain, often neglecting the deeper, underlying causes. Shauna Mann believes this approach falls short. In her experience, chronic pain is rarely the result of a single issue; instead, it’s often driven by a complex web of factors, including diet, sleep quality, stress levels, and even personal relationships. Addressing only the symptoms without considering these interconnected influences can lead to incomplete or temporary relief rather than lasting healing.

For instance, many patients who suffer from conditions like osteoarthritis in the knee are treated with shockwave therapy or manual therapy. While these treatments can alleviate pain, they don’t address why the condition developed in the first place. Shauna’s holistic approach involves looking far upstream to identify and tackle the root causes, thereby preventing recurring issues.

A Personal Connection: How Shauna’s Own Health Challenges Shaped Her Practice

Shauna’s early menopause was a turning point in her life. Faced with a lack of effective guidance from her doctor, who offered only synthetic hormones as a solution, Shauna decided to take control of her health. She embarked on a year-long journey of self-education in functional medicine, which helped her regain her health and fueled her desire to help others do the same.

This personal connection to the principles of functional medicine drives Shauna’s passion. She now uses her expertise to help patients at the Unpain Clinic address chronic pain and hormonal imbalances in a way that traditional methods often fail to achieve.

The Synergy of Functional Medicine and Physiotherapy

At the Unpain Clinic, Shauna combines her deep understanding of functional medicine with her physiotherapy skills to offer a comprehensive treatment approach. She begins with an extensive information-gathering, listening to her patients’ stories in detail. This not only helps build a therapeutic partnership but also allows her to develop a treatment plan that addresses both the physical and internal factors contributing to pain.

For example, Shauna often sees patients with chronic pain who are struggling with issues like inflammation due to excess fatty tissue. While traditional treatments might focus solely on the affected area, Shauna also considers the broader systemic problems, such as metabolic imbalances, that might drive the pain.

Real-Life Impact: Success Stories from the Unpain Clinic

The success of Shauna’s approach is best illustrated through the stories of her patients. One such case involved an 11-year-old girl who came to the clinic with multiple “sprains and strains” diagnosed by her doctor. However, Shauna’s thorough assessment led to the discovery of Cushing’s syndrome, a condition the doctor had overlooked. This case highlights the importance of looking beyond the obvious and considering the whole body in treatment.

Another patient, Jillian Heck, shared her journey of overcoming chronic headaches. Despite multiple treatments, it wasn’t when Shauna focused on Jillian’s gut health that she saw significant improvement. This case is a testament to the power of addressing internal health issues alongside physical therapy.

Conclusion: Taking the First Step Towards Holistic Healing

The journey to wellness starts with understanding that the body is a complex, interconnected system. At the Unpain Clinic, Shauna Mann uses her functional medicine and physiotherapy expertise to help patients achieve lasting relief from chronic pain. Her approach goes beyond merely treating symptoms—restoring balance and health from the inside out.

If you’re ready to explore how Shauna’s holistic approach can help you, consider scheduling a consultation at the Unpain Clinic. Your path to a healthier, pain-free life could be just one step away.

Chapters

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