Chronic complex

Chronic and complex conditions are common presentations at More Pathways. 

Often called medically unexplained symptoms, or medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) These are the cases that come with many pain complaints in multiple sites and disturbance in several systems along with fatigue and exhaustion. 

Most likely there has been no definitive answer as to why these chronic symptoms persist or why they are so bad. These symptoms impact the lives, relationships and wellbeing of people with MUPS. 

Up to 45% of patients in general practice have unexplained symptoms that do not respond well to medical treatment and generally it’s a challenge to get appropriate assessment and management. Generally people who are suffering across many systems might include a myriad of symptoms such as but not limited to : 

• pseudoneurological : symptoms indicative of of neurological disease but no positive investigations. blurred vision, hearing loss, lost voice, seizures, fainting, dizziness, tingling and numbness, lump in throat, trouble walking

• Gastrointestinal : abdominal pain and bloating, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, excessive flatulence, food intolerance, bad taste in mouth

• Musculoskeletal : Back pain, joint pain, muscle weakness, pain in extremities

• Genitourinary : issues with urination, vulvodynia, vaginismus, bladder problems

• Female Reproductive : dysmenorrhea, irregular cycles, excessive bleeding.

• Cardio-respiratory : chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath

• Headache : Headache, jaw pain and other pains

• Skin : blotches or discolouration.

• Sleep : unrefreshed sleep, difficulty getting to sleep

There have been 2 significant studies that look at the link between MUPS and dysfunctional breathing utilising breathing therapy and stress education with a multidimensional approach that incorporates both the psychological and the physiological. The outcomes were very positive with improvements in stress, the presenting symptoms and ability to function in daily life. 

At More Pathways we draw on a wealth of knowledge from across different fields of research along with a depth of clinical experience and anecdotal observation to support patients with a long history of unexplained persistent symptoms. These are the patients we are passionate about helping. 

We engage in furthering and pioneering the research for patients with chronic and complex disorders or multiple system symptoms to better support and create better clinical outcomes. 

We use appropriate screening procedures and validated assessments as well as listening to your whole story and history, spending time with you to explain and determine if you’re part of the sub-group in which an integrative breathing retraining program can help.