Ispra, October 21st, 2025.
Participants gathered today at Club House Ispra for the workshop “Decoding Back Pain”, led by physiotherapist Eline Bisterbosch — an engaging session that blended science, movement, and practical awareness about one of the most common modern health issues: back pain.
“Back pain is the leading cause of long-term disability in the world, and it results in the loss of over 4.1 million working days per year,” said Eline Bisterbosch, an Australian-qualified physiotherapist based in Italy.
“Sitting for prolonged hours at the desk puts a significant amount of mechanical load on the back, and so professionals need to understand the risks so that they can self-manage and prevent back pain in the future with only simple changes!”
Why this workshop matters
As hybrid and remote work become the norm, sedentary habits are taking a growing toll on professionals’ health. Decoding Back Pain was designed precisely to address this challenge — bringing evidence-based insights, busting myths around pain, and offering easy-to-apply strategies that don’t require a gym or equipment.
Throughout the session, participants explored:
- the real causes of back pain beyond popular myths;
- how to prevent acute pain turning into chronic pain from the understanding of how the brain interprets pain;
- what pain actually is, from a biopsychosocial perspective, and how this knowledge can reduce discomfort;
- simple exercises to improve posture and relieve tension during the workday.
About Eline Bisterbosch
Eline is an Australian-qualified physiotherapist registered in Italy, with experience in musculoskeletal, neurological, and orthopaedic rehabilitation in both public and private settings. She has a strong interest in rehabilitation and is up to date with the latest research in order to provide the best care for her clients.
She currently works around Ispra for private home consultations and leads outdoor circuit training sessions in Cadrezzate Park — combining nature and exercise to enhance both physical and mental health. Nothing better than escaping the closed doors for an hour!
You can connect with her on LinkedIn, or Instagram for more insights and appointments. https://www.instagram.com/bista.fitness/
A day of learning and connection within the Empower JRC community
The workshop also marked a new stage for Empower JRC, the volunteer-driven network supporting JRC Ispra staff partners and spouses.
On the same day, Valentin Todor officially joined the Empower communications team as a volunteer, collaborating with Cristina Martínez and Luana Andreussi in an active brainstorming group that will soon launch new storytelling and media initiatives.
Nora Schade, Board Member and Events Working Group leader, also announced two upcoming activities:
- in November, the creative workshop “Master the Power of Canva”;
- and in December, the traditional Christmas Dinner, a warm networking event celebrating Empower’s community spirit and volunteer work.
The session concluded with a shared lunch, informal conversations, and networking — a perfect mix of learning, wellbeing, and connection.
About Empower JRC
Founded in 2019 by Aneta Skwarek-Maruszewska and Danai Tsapikidou, Empower JRC was created to support skilled partners of JRC employees in Ispra facing career transitions, remote work, or new professional challenges.
Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant professional network promoting collaboration, personal growth, and integration within the multicultural JRC community.
Its four active working groups — Communications, Events, Collab-Space, and Membership — coordinate activities ranging from workshops and professional meetups to creative projects and volunteering opportunities.
About the venue – Club House Ispra
The Club House Ispra is an emblematic place in the cultural and social life of Ispra, located in the heart of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre.
Surrounded by nature and close to Lake Maggiore, the Club House functions as a true community hub — a meeting point where people from all over Europe share ideas, passions, and experiences.
Concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and educational events for both adults and children regularly animate its welcoming atmosphere, promoting dialogue, creativity, and the European spirit that defines the Ispra community.