#34 Fibromyalgia and chronic pain management with Ryan Bourdo, Physical Therapist

If you live with fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, EDS or chronic pain, you may have been told that exercise can help — but also learned that pushing too hard can worsen symptoms. In this episode, physical therapist Ryan Bourdo (Oregon Health & Science University, Portland) explains how individualised, patient-led rehabilitation strategies can support quality of life without becoming an added burden.

Ryan specialises in fibromyalgia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and related conditions, using a compassionate, listening-first approach to care. We’re also joined by occupational therapist Amy Mooney, founder of OT4ME, who shares insights from more than 20 years working with ME/CFS, Long Covid, EDS, MCAS and Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM).

Together, we explore pacing, movement, rest, low-stress rehabilitation, and why treating patients as individuals is essential for meaningful care.

Topics include:

• Movement and chronic pain management

• Why rehabilitation must be tailored to the individual

• Listening to patients with energy-limiting conditions

• Understanding rest, pacing and Post-Exertional Malaise

• Creating sustainable, low-stress therapy strategies

• Finding manageable ways to improve daily life

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