In celebration of Exercise Right Week, we are delighted to highlight the critical role that Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) play in managing chronic pain. To bring this to life, we interviewed Jessica Ebbersten, an ESSA accredited exercise physiologist who not only excels in her professional role but also lives with chronic pain herself. Jessica shares her inspiring pain journey, her professional insights, and an exciting fundraising initiative she is spearheading for Chronic Pain Australia.
Meet Jessica Ebbersten: A Journey of Resilience and Expertise
In 2011, Jessica made the life-changing decision to move from Sweden to Australia to pursue studies in exercise science. This bold move led her to earn a degree in clinical exercise science and become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Today, she juggles multiple roles: a mother to a three-year-old daughter, the owner of Nordica Health Clinic, and a practitioner at a private hospital. Jessica is also someone who has lived with chronic pain since she was very young.
Jessica’s experience with chronic pain began in childhood. “I frequently complained of persistent back pain, headaches, and occasional pain in my ankles and wrists,” she recalls. Initially, she avoided physical activity and relied on analgesics and passive treatments from a local physiotherapist. However, a pivotal moment occurred when a new physiotherapist introduced her to the power of movement and education about her body. “For the first time, I felt enlightened and free from pain and suffering. I realised the power of an active, healthy lifestyle.”
This revelation inspired Jessica to share her newfound knowledge with others, leading her to study clinical exercise science. Her journey has been challenging, involving recovery from injuries and mental struggles. “My chronic pain has not completely disappeared. However, through the power of knowledge, understanding my body, and practical experience, I have learned that exercising (when done right) can help manage the pain,” she explains. Jessica’s experience underscores that pain is influenced by various complex factors and not necessarily tissue damage.
The Crucial Role of Exercise Physiology in Chronic Pain Management
With experience as not only a practitioner, but someone who lives with chronic pain, Jessica is a passionate advocate for the role of exercise physiology in an individuals pain toolkit. “Exercise physiology plays a crucial role in managing chronic pain by facilitating tailored physical activities that improve various lifestyle factors,” Jessica explains. These factors include improving strength and conditioning, better sleep, natural pain relief, weight management, and building confidence. A multidisciplinary approach that involves pain education and collaboration with other health professionals enhances the effectiveness of exercise therapy.
Jessica emphasises the importance of personalised, multimodal treatment plans for comprehensive chronic pain management. “Our approach is to create individualised exercise plans that address each client’s unique needs and goals, ensuring gradual movement exposure to build trust and create a sense of safety.”
Encouraging Movement as Medicine
For those with chronic pain hesitant to engage in physical activity, Jessica offers encouraging advice. “Start somewhere. Be brave. Ditch traditional ideas of exercise. Get the right help. Build your team,” she quotes from a conversation in the lunchroom with her allied health team.
“Active treatment strategies like movement therapy are more effective in long-term pain management compared to passive treatments,” Jessica states. She advocates seeking support from various allied health professionals, including Accredited Exercise Physiologists, who can create personalised movement plans and provide valuable pain education.
A Passionate Advocate: Jessica’s Fundraising Challenge
Despite helping improve the daily lives of chronic pain patients every day through her professional practice, this year Jessica was compelled to push herself to do more for the 3.6 million Australians living with chronic pain. “This year, I felt ready for a physical and mental challenge,” says Jessica, explaining what inspired her fundraising initiative for Chronic Pain Australia. She came across the Max Adventure Race, involving mountain biking, trail running, and kayaking. Initially doubtful about her ability to participate due to her chronic pain, Jessica found encouragement from her work with an experienced allied health team. “I quickly came to terms with the idea that I could do this race if done right – applying everything we were teaching to our patients living with chronic pain.”
Jessica formed a team of allied health professionals to join her in the race, aligning their efforts with National Pain Week. “We found Chronic Pain Australia in our search for organisations that we could support with our fundraising and realised that National Pain Week falls at the same time as our race!” she adds.
Join the Cause: Details of the Fundraising Challenge
Jessica and her team of allied health professionals will compete in the Max Adventure Race on July 27, 2024, coinciding with National Pain Week. “This fundraising challenge aims to promote best practices for chronic pain management and personally journey through training for an event, applying the very concepts we teach our patients,” she explains. By raising awareness and funds, they hope to educate the public and health professionals about chronic pain, fostering more effective and compassionate approaches.
How You Can Support
Chronic Pain Australia invites you to support Jessica and her team in this incredible fundraising challenge. Donate now to support Jessica’s team and help change the lives of those living with chronic pain. You can view they fundraising page here.