INVISIBLE ILLNESSES

At any.BODY Studio we help people manage symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, Hypermobility conditions such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndroms (POTS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Long Covid

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

POTS is characterised by a rapid increase in heart rate when changes postures (like sitting up from a lying position, and standing up), and leads to a variety of debilitating symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and heart palpitations. When it comes to physical activity, these symptoms often present a barrier by affecting both physiological and psychological factors. These challenges can include:

  1. Exercise intolerance: Decreased endurance, nervous system dysregulation and fatigue all can contribute to exercise intolerance, and often cause difficulty for not only commencing exercise, but also maintaining consistency and progressing.  This can often lead to feelings of frustration and defeat, where exercising to even a small degree becomes an impossibility.

  2. Fluctuating symptoms: POTS symptoms can fluctuate with changes in frequency and severity, and are not always predictable. This further contributes to the strain of establishing a consistent exercise routine.

  3. Fear and anxiety: As the nervous system is dysregulated, the symptoms of POTS can be distressing be on their own. This is only further exacerbated during exercise in women who may have experienced symptom-onset during physical activity.

  4. Combined health conditions: As previously mentioned, POTS is often not seen alone, and the difficulty of managing multiple health conditions (let alone through exercise) can often feel incredibly overwhelming.

Our team at any.BODY is trained not just in exercise prescription for chronic health conditions, but are also experts at problem solving and adapting to how your health is presenting on the day we see you! With a condition like POTS where your symptoms can fluctuate daily, we are confident we can assist you to safely, effectively, and enjoyable move, while managing your symptoms.

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Hypermobility is a spectrum of conditions that affects the connective tissue in the body. At any.BODY we see individuals with:

  1. Generalised Hypermobility

  2. Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

  3. Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)

Within this group of conditions, each individual will experience a range of different symptoms and effects. However, hypermobility generally is seen to have an increase in joint range of motion, not everyone will experience pain or injuries, however it is more common within this group which can make exercise a challenge.

Clients with hypermobility conditions will present in different ways dependent on age, levels of previous activity and other contributing health factors. It is important to note that EDS and hypermobility is complex and can extend further than just joint issues. At any.BODY Studio we often help clients with generalised hypermobility and EDS manage:

  1. Complex Pain

  2. Persistent Nerve Pain

  3. Mood, anxiety and depression

  4. Re-occurring injuries, fear of movement.

  5. Brain Fog, low energy levels and constant fatigue

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic condition characterised by a wide range of symptoms, not limited to but including:

  1. Widespread pain and stiffness (lasting longer than three months)

  2. Non-restorative sleep

  3. Fatigue affecting ability to work and to perform activities of daily living (ADLs)

  4.  Cognitive dysfunction affecting memory and concentration

  5. Irritable bowel (diarrhea and stomach pain)

  6. Low mood and high levels of stress

Research states that there is no current cure for fibromyalgia, although a multi-component approach to treatment is the best option for holistic management which may include the following:

  1. Medications (assist with sleep and pain management)

  2. Exercise

  3. Pacing general activities

  4. Pain education

  5. Psychological assistance, mindfulness

Tips to consider with exercise / movement:

  1. Consult with an accredited exercise physiologist, so they can provide you with a multi component approach to your exercise routine. This would include learning how to pace/scale movements.

  2. Mindful movement is key - Gentle walking or exercise you can pair breathing with.

  3. Consider all things when choosing to exercise. For example: perhaps grocery shopping and exercising on the same day is not a good idea.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis and osteopenia require a targeted approach to exercise—one that builds bone density, strengthens muscles, and improves balance to reduce the risk of falls. Our women’s health-focused exercise physiology services offer safe, effective, and research-backed programs designed to support bone health at every stage.

Our Approach to Bone Health

Over 60s Reformer Pilates – Designed specifically for women over 60, these small-group classes focus on improving strength, posture, flexibility, and balance in a safe, supportive environment. Led by accredited Exercise Physiologists, every session is tailored to support bone health while minimizing the risk of injury.

Osteo Strong – Our Weightlifting Program for Bone Density – Lifting weights is one of the most effective ways to promote osteogenic strengthening (bone-building). Osteo Strong is designed to progressively challenge your muscles and bones, improving bone mineral density and overall strength.

Falls Prevention & Balance Training – A key component of osteoporosis management is reducing the risk of falls. We incorporate targeted balance training and stability exercises to improve coordination, confidence, and mobility, keeping you safe and independent for longer.

Endometriosis

Have you been given a diagnosis of endo, or experience endo-like symptoms? You’re not alone! Around 1 in 9 women experience this debilitating condition, and we understand the impact this can have on your daily life and exercise.

Exercising with endo can be challenging, and our Accredited Exercise Physiologists are experts at helping you move at any stage through your pain cycles and flare ups. An individualised exercise program can support you during these stages, but also decrease your severity and frequency of pain by:

  • Learning aggravating and relieving movements

  • Improving pelvic stability and strength

  • Relaxing and lengthening the pelvic floor

Stretches and gentle mobility exercises are important for decreasing sensitivity during flare ups, but improving your overall pelvic function and addressing biomechanical factors are key to keeping you progressing. If you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle, our team at any.BODY would love to assist you in taking back control and making movement possible again!

Get in touch.