Learn About Eating Disorders and Chronic Pain with Dr. Kelly Kessler

It’s excruciating, both physically and mentally, to have both chronic pain and an eating disorder. I know—I’ve experienced both. I’ve also treated many people in San Diego with both eating disorders and chronic pain. I was so excited to meet Dr. Kelly Kessler, physical therapist and eating disorder and chronic pain coach. Not only do we have similar experiences and interests, we really get the complexities of having issues with pain, food, eating, and body image. Kelly has such a unique and effective approach to treating these complexities, and I’m so excited for you to get to know her!

Why did you choose to become a coach for people eating disorder histories and who also experience chronic pain? 

My inspiration to help people with a history of eating disorders achieve relief from chronic pain comes from my own struggles with each area. I had an eating disorder for six years in which I used excessive exercising and purging as my mechanisms to counter my frequent binging episodes. From years of pounding the pavement and pushing my body to the limit, I had excruciating back pain.

What kind of services do you provide? 

I currently have an online course that integrates a systematic approach to understanding pain, a personal audit to understand individual factors contributing to pain, and an integrative model of learning how to rewire the brain and regulate the nervous system for long-lasting results. 

What is your educational background and training? 

I have a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Ithaca College, a Master’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Psychology from University of North Texas, and a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Upstate Medical University. 

Do you work with only eating disorders and chronic pain? 

I primarily work with women who have recovered from an eating disorder and have residual musculoskeletal impacts or chronic pain from the eating disorder. I also have worked with several individuals who have chronic pain without a history of an eating disorder.  

I noticed that you are an athlete. What is unique about athletes with eating disorder histories and chronic pain that you really get? 

Yes, I played field hockey for several years in high school, college, and then after college. From my experience, many athletes are driven, perfectionists, and have an unrelenting pursuit toward excellence.

Although many of these traits can be beneficial in sport to rise to the top, they can also contribute to a mindset of never feeling good enough, becoming overly critical of oneself, and to a place where they are constantly comparing themselves to others. I experienced all these traits at the time of my eating disorder.

Also, it took me a long time to realize that my exercising behavior was beyond just conditioning for a sport, as there can often be blurred lines in what is unhealthy versus healthy. It was easy at the time for me to hide my behaviors because outsiders viewed me as just being a great athlete. What others did not know was the driving factor behind all those miles and training hours.  

What do you wish people knew about eating disorders and chronic pain? 

What I wish more people knew is that eating disorders and chronic pain are very much related. Eating disorders can often be a coping mechanism for past trauma, and they are often accompanied with feelings of anxiety, shame, and depression. When someone experiences these emotions/thoughts/feelings for an extended period, it can lead to nervous system dysregulation.

Chronic nervous system dysregulation places the brain and body in a protective mode in which muscle tension increases, fascia thickens and becomes less mobile, stress hormones rise and circulate throughout the body, and gut health is compromised thus leading to hormonal imbalances.

In addition, pain response becomes heightened and women become more sensitive to painful sensations through a mechanism called central sensitization which is also a result of nervous system dysregulation. Understanding these root causes of pain is crucial in moving forward in healing. 

How can people reach out and contact you? 

Instagram: @drkellykessler

Tik Tok: Kelly_Kessler

Facbook: www.facebook.com/optimalyouhealthwellness

YouTube: Optimal You Health and Wellness

Podcast: Rewiring Health

E-mail: info@optimalyouhealthandwellness.com  

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Hey everyone, I really appreciate you reading my blog!  Have a wonderful day. :)  

Marianne 

If you are struggling to find online eating disorder treatment with help with bulimia, binge eating or other eating disorders in San Diego, schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation using the online scheduler (just click on the orange button), and I will help you get where you need to be! 

COMING SUMMER 2022: My virtual, 5-week class called Freedom From Binge Eating. Registration deadline is July 5th, and it begins Tuesday, July 12th. Spots are limited so sign up today!

You can find more information about me on Instagram @drmariannemiller or on my Facebook page.