Healing the Unseen: Chronic Illness, Mental Health, and Hope with Shianne Hammond

In this episode, I sit down with Shianne Hammond, exercise physiologist, researcher, and PhD candidate, to explore the complex relationship between chronic illness, movement, mental health, and hope.

Shianne shares her journey from elite horse riding and personal training into exercise physiology, a path shaped by her own experience with glandular fever and chronic fatigue syndrome. Her personal challenges led her to specialise in supporting people living with invisible illnesses such as ME/CFS and fibromyalgia.

Together, we unpack the differences between exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, and personal trainers, and discuss why the word exercise can feel intimidating, or even threatening, for people experiencing chronic illness. Shianne explains the importance of gentle, individualised movement that prioritises quality of life rather than performance.

We also explore post-exertional malaise (PEM), the boom-and-bust cycle many people experience, pacing strategies, and the trial-and-error process of building capacity safely. Shianne highlights the role of pain science education, understanding the difference between helpful discomfort and harmful pain, and creating sustainable approaches to movement.

The conversation expands into the connection between physical and mental health, including the benefits of low-intensity practices such as yoga, Qigong, and water-based therapy. We discuss nervous system dysregulation, chronic fight-or-flight responses, grounding techniques, somatic practices, and the use of shaking exercises to help discharge stress and adrenaline.

Shianne also shares insights from her work in equine-assisted therapy, discusses trauma-informed approaches to movement and healthcare, and reflects on the links between trauma, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and gut health. The episode concludes with practical advice about rest, self-compassion, and information about her current research into strength-based exercise for people living with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia.

Topics Covered

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:26 Shianne's Career Path
01:45 Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
05:52 What Exercise Physiologists Do
08:43 Movement Versus Exercise
11:27 Understanding Post-Exertional Malaise
14:29 Pain Science and Education
15:36 Movement for Mental Health
18:22 Shaking and Stress Release
20:08 Equine Therapy and Grounding
24:02 Nervous System Regulation and Fight-or-Flight Responses
26:24 Mindfulness, Self-Monitoring, and Capacity Diaries
32:59 Trauma-Informed Movement Plans
37:36 Rest, Recovery, and Self-Compassion
41:09 Connect Exercise Physiology and PhD Research Study
43:41 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

For more information or to participate in the research study to do with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia, mentioned in the interview , scan the QR code below or contact Shianne: 0407 568 513 or email: shianne.hammond@research.usc.edu.au