Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by bacteria in the Borrelia family and is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Early symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and, in some cases, a characteristic rash known as erythema migrans. If left untreated, Lyme disease can affect multiple systems in the body, including the joints, nervous system, and heart. Most people who are diagnosed and treated early recover fully. However, some individuals continue to experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties, or other health challenges after treatment. The causes of these ongoing symptoms are an area of ongoing research and discussion within the medical community. In functional medicine, like other chronic illnesses, Lyme disease is viewed through a systems-based lens. In addition to addressing the infection itself, practitioners may explore factors that influence recovery, including immune function, inflammation, sleep, stress, nutrition, gut health, and overall resilience.
What are tick-borne illnesses?
Many people use the term Lyme disease as a catch-all for illnesses transmitted by ticks, but Lyme disease is only one of several tick-borne diseases. Tick-borne illnesses are infections caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses that are transmitted through tick bites. While Lyme disease is the most common, other infections can produce similar symptoms and may require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
How are FMCA students taught to support clients living with Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses?
FMCA students learn how chronic and complex health conditions can affect multiple aspects of a person’s life, including energy, sleep, stress, nutrition, relationships, and daily functioning. While health coaches do not diagnose or treat Lyme disease, they can help clients navigate the behavior changes and lifestyle practices that support overall health and well-being. Students are also taught the importance of collaboration within a healthcare team. For clients managing Lyme disease or persistent symptoms following treatment, health coaches can serve as partners in implementation, helping individuals translate recommendations into sustainable actions while supporting self-efficacy and resilience throughout the process.