episode 197: reclaiming your body after chronic illness with emma jack
In this week’s episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague Emma Jack, a physiotherapist, coach, and endometriosis warrior. Emma has spent 25 years navigating life with undiagnosed endometriosis, and she’s here to share her incredibly personal journey in hopes that even one person who is struggling with this disease (or any undiagnosed condition) feels seen and supported.
From the struggles with misdiagnosis to the relief she found through excision surgery, we dive deep into how this chronic illness affected every part of her life—from her body image to her relationship with food.
Emma’s story is about resilience and self-advocacy, and it’s filled with lessons that will connect with you—whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, frustrated with medical care, or struggling to trust your body again.
Here’s a sneak peek at what we discuss:
How years of undiagnosed illness can impact your confidence, body image, and relationship with food
Emma’s journey from gaslighting herself to finding answers—and how she reconnected with her body
The unexpected ways her surgery has given her back her freedom (and her jeans!)
Why it’s crucial to trust your own body and advocate for your health, even when doctors don’t have all the answers
I’m so excited to share this conversation with you. There is no greater feeling than being connected to someone who has been through what you’ve been through—and that’s what this episode is all about.
Emma Jack is a certified sport and orthopaedic physiotherapist and owns her own private practice, Press Play Physiotherapy and Pilates in London, Ontario and she's travelled the world as a lead therapist with the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team.
While these accomplishments bring a sense of pride, Emma also acknowledges that they also contributed to feelings of intense anxiety, chronic stress, numerous health issues, and deep burnout.
Emma has since transformed her clinical practice and life in recent years to ensure that her achievements no longer define her. She now dedicates much of her time to working as a certified coach, helping other women in healthcare show up fully for their lives and careers in a way that feels authentic, sustainable, and, most importantly, fun!