About

Hi! I’m Christy.

When I was in my 20’s, I experienced mysterious chronic pain that moved throughout my body. None of the medical professionals I consulted seemed to understand.

So, I took it upon myself to find answers. I researched, I met with everyone I could– I was determined to do whatever it took.

Finally, I began to discover answers– and I’ve found that my discoveries have been helpful for a lot of other people, too.

The main thing I discovered was the concept of neuroplastic pain— the idea that the nervous system can change over time, and become more sensitive to pain.

I finally discovered a treatment approach which really helped me, called pain neurophysiology education.

The causes of my pain

I first developed my “mysterious” pain after I’d experienced a running injury as a teenager. Even though my surgery worked correctly, it was still a “trauma” to my body, and left a mark on my nervous system.

However, in my 30’s, I would make another huge discovery.

In my 30’s, I would finally learn that I have a genetic hypermobility disorder. This means that my connective tissue is a little bit “stretcher” than the average person’s. (Hypermobility affects up to 10% of the population, although it is extremely under-recognized).

When you’re hypermobile, it means you’re more likely to develop injuries, as I did.

It can also have an impact on your nervous system, and make you more sensitive to pain.

Making these discoveries has changed my life.

Now, I no longer deal with chronic pain, or any of these symptoms which used to dominate my life. There was a point when I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get here, but thanks to the strategies I discovered, I am pain-free.

If you are dealing with mysterious chronic pain and symptoms — I get you.

Through my coaching program, I talk to people all over the world and help them identify the reasons for their pain. Together, we evaluate where you are with your current treatment plan, and develop a plan to move forward.

Whether your pain for the same reasons as mine or different, we can figure it out.

Because the common denominator for neuroplastic pain are the changes that take place within the nervous system, the process to heal it is similar, even when it’s from different causes.

We tackle complex issues.

From my own experience with hypermobility, I know what it’s like to navigate systemic issues that affect your entire body.

I’ve coached people navigating all types of issues, from traumatic brain injuries to autoimmune conditions.

You can also check out my two other sites, which also address some of the things that can go along with hypermobility:

My Sacroiliac Joint Saga

Mast Cell Healing

If you’re struggling with mysterious chronic pain and other symptoms, there is hope! I’m so glad you found me, and I’m really excited to help!

38 Comments

  1. Chronic pain is utterly exhausting. I survived 2.5 years of it with a damaged hip I finally got replaced this year. I wish you the best…it’s very difficult to balance out pain meds with lucidity.

    1. Thank you! It definitely can be exhausting.

      By the way, I really enjoyed your post about Plans C, D, and E. I guess I’m at the point where I’m realizing I need to start coming up with a Plan C, so your words definitely resonated 🙂

  2. Happy to know you are helping to educate others. You don’t need to be a healthcare professional to help others. Your delay for help and your ability to reach out to others is great! I’ll be back to visit your site. Take care and stay safe.

  3. Hi!

    I am starting a directory of Bloggers who educate, support, enlighten, inform, inspire and motivate people about and with Fibromyalgia.

    I would really like to include you and your blog.

    Please have a look at the information for Bloggers on my site: http://fibromodem.wordpress.com/fck-directory/for-bloggers/; and, if you would like to be included, please follow the directions and then email me at fibromodem@hotmail.com.

    I hope you choose to be part of this new project.

    Regards,
    Fibromodem

  4. Julie, can you either leave me a comment with your email address in it, or shoot me an email at sarahepirtle@gmail.com with your email address? I have a note I’d like to send you in private :). Thanks.

  5. Hi! I found your blog through http://fibrofeist.com/ and I’m so excited to read your blog! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Aw, you’re so welcome! I hope you find the stuff I write about to be helpful 🙂

  6. Very noble goal! I salute you and wish you to be a very successful physical therapist! 🙂

  7. Hi sunlight in winter, good news!

    I have nominated your blog for the Liebster Award.

    The rules of this award are at

    http://dearkitty1.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/liebster-award-thank-you-barbara/

    Congratulations!

    1. No I haven’t… but I’ve definitely heard of it! It’s one of those books that I keep meaning to read. Thanks for pointing it out!

  8. Congratulations!

    I have nominated your blog for the Versatile Blogger Award.

    The rules of the award are at

    http://dearkitty1.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/versatile-blogger-award-thanks-tazein-and-sue/

  9. I`m so sorry for your pain! I felt like I could barely move a few years ago, for a few years, until I was diagnosed with gluten intolerance (not Celiac`s- http://thegreatzambini.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/dietary-styles-primer/) and I cleared my diet of it. Then I had tons more energy, and less pain! Have you tried that? Experts say you have to go two months clean, as any time less than that you still have leftover poison and pain.

    1. That’s interesting! I’ve heard a few stories like yours, of people who cut out gluten and felt a lot better. I have to admit, the different types of gluten-intolerance confuse me a little bit. I have tried reducing gluten before, but never completely eliminated it. It’s definitely something to think about for the future. Thanks for your comment!

      1. If you aren`t sure, it is best to just cut all of it out, spelt and oats and everything else included. Then, after two months, you can introduce one new possibility a month, so you know if you can handle it or not. It really is a poison that seems to stick around forever, the two month mark feels like almost magic! Some acupuncture and yoga has been shown to help as well. Keep going, you`ll get better eventually!

  10. Hi there! I wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Don’t feel obligated to go through the steps of acceptance, I know life gets crazy! If you’re interested, the details are here: http://stinasjourney.wordpress.com/2013/03/23/who-doesnt-like-the-occasional-pat-on-the-back/

    1. Thanks Stina! Accepted 🙂

      1. You are so very welcome!

  11. Heya – I see you already have been nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award! Oh well – consider yourself nominated again…I think your posts are so informative and intelligent. http://lucybythesea.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/thank-you-2/
    Lucy x

  12. Hi, I just wanted to say many thanks for the follow on http://www.postsofhypnoticsuggestion.wordpress.com it’s much appreciated.
    Love your blog too and am now a following fan!
    All the best
    Tony

    1. You’re welcome… and thank you!

  13. Hi sunlight in winter ~

    I have nominated you for the SUNSHINE AWARD for so many reasons! Your blog is awesome!

    To accept the award follow the rules at: http://findingmyinnercourage.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/sunshine-award/

    Peace, Love & Happiness!
    dawn

    1. Thank you so much for the nomination!

  14. http://doilooksick.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/back-by-popular-demand/

    Hey friend! I nominated you for the WordPress Family award. <3 Info at the link

  15. http://doilooksick.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/all-the-awards-what-i-dont-even/

    Hidi ho! Not sure if you do the award thing but if so, I’ve given you one linked above. Thanks for writing!

    1. I’m always happy to be given awards! Thank you so much!

  16. Thanks for the like. It’s nice to meet you. I like your blog.

    1. Thanks, Raul! It’s nice to meet you too. Thank you for following my blog.

  17. Hi! I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about a year ago, and spent a large part of the year trying to hide my true self (and its misery) from everybody around me. I have only recently started to come out of that, when I found your blog, and felt I could really connect with it. As a scientist, I especially like how you include scientific literature references to article regarding the medical aspects of chronic illnesses, because I see so many websites/blogs cashing in on people’s desperation with dubious information. So anyway, I just wanted to thank you for your posts. I have recently started my own blog here trying to document my journey through academia with fibromyalgia. Here is the link if you’d like to check it out. 🙂 Thanks again!

    1. Hi Fibronacci, thank you so much for the comment! I’m so glad you appreciate my scientific references. I know exactly what you mean about hating the sites that cash in on people’s desperation– precisely because I used to be one of those desperate people! I’m looking forward to following your blog (and I love your username, by the way!).

      1. Thank you!! The name came out of brainstorming session for a “arty/fibroey” name, LOL! I know what you mean about being desperate by the way. My husband has books here too by people who really think they know how to cure FM and they’re all bogus. While I am the first to admit that scientists don’t have all the answers, I feel like they have a few more answers than those poor misguided folks. Anyway, it was great meeting you! Always lovely to have friends who understand the struggle (and the science behind it)!! I hope you enjoy my blog as well. 🙂

        I would also like to nominate you for the Liebster award for your wonderful blog. I have more information here >> https://fibronacciblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/the-liebster-award/

  18. Thank you for following. Looking forward to following your journey. Hope you have a great weekend. 🙂

    1. Thanks! Looking forward to following along your story as well!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *