What is a chronic condition?
According to the Australian Government Department of Health, chronic conditions are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia.
The National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions uses the term chronic conditions to describe a broad range of health conditions, including:
- chronic and complex health conditions
- mental illness
- trauma
- disability
- genetic disorders
Chronic conditions:
- have complex and multiple causes
- may occur as a single condition in a person, or along with other diseases (comorbidity)
- usually progress gradually
- can occur at any age, although they are more common as people get older
- can affect quality of life
- can create limitations and disability
- are not usually immediately life-threatening, but can shorten life expectancy
Because of better treatments and management plans, people are living longer with chronic conditions. (https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/chronic-conditions)
Types of chronic conditions include cancer, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, eye conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, lung and neurological conditions.
Chronic conditions are very common. They can impact a person’s quality of life. Some of these conditions can worsen over time or require a complex approach to management.
What can help manage a chronic condition?
While it obviously depends on your unique situation, there are some overall strategies that can help manage chronic health concerns. These include:
- Learning what you can about your condition, being informed is in your best interest
- Having a range of treatments available that provides you with relief of symptoms and can aid in reducing flare ups of your illness
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle including the food you eat, the exercise you are able to do, and following your medical and health professionals advice
- Developing ways to self manage your condition can include educating yourself about the medication you are taking, seeking advice when needed
- Seeking support – there are support groups, peak group organisations and varying avenues of support available for people living with chronic conditions and for carers
How can Feel Amazing in Chatswood help?
At Feel Amazing we have a number of specialities that can help manage the many symptoms of chronic conditions. These include:
- Massage
- Chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Dry needling
- Naturopathy
Why is it important to have a team approach?
Managing a chronic condition includes looking after yourself and having a multidisciplinary approach that is suited to your needs. Whether you would like advice on supplements and lifestyle, to set up a treatment plan, need some pain relief when symptoms flare up, or to take some time out to feel better, the practitioners at Feel Amazing can be part of your health team.
We understand that living with chronic illness can be difficult, especially when many conditions are invisible. Our aim is to support your individual health needs. There are effective treatment options we can discuss with you.