Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein Dr. Linda Bluestein
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- Health & Fitness
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Connective tissue disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), have far-reaching consequences. Multi-systemic symptoms affect quality of life -- with pain, frequent injury, joints “giving way," fatigue, headache, gastrointestinal problems, and insomnia being common. Welcome to Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, with your host and founder, Linda Bluestein, MD. Learn from specialists with diverse areas of medical and scientific expertise. Conversations cover topics relevant to everyone with symptomatic joint hypermobility (EDS, HSD, Marfan's). Learn to optimize your hypermobile health!
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93. Unveiling Taming the Zebra: A Discussion with Physical Therapists Patricia Stott and Heather Purdin
This episode centers around unveiling 'Taming the Zebra', a book co-authored by physical therapists, Dr. Patty Stott and Heather Purdin. The book aims to fill a void in understanding and provide therapists with the knowledge to effectively work with patients with hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). It covers the impact of connective tissue disorders on various body systems and provides practical tips for modifying physical therapy approaches. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing primary issues and understanding the complexity of each individual's presentation. The chapters cover topics such as modifying movement for gentle exercise, addressing deconditioning and weakness, building confidence and safe strengthening programs, finding physical therapists open to working with EDS patients, expanding the toolkit for physical therapy, and more.
Takeaways
The book 'Taming the Zebra' fills a void in understanding and provides physical therapists with the knowledge to effectively work with patients with HSD and EDS.The book emphasizes the importance of addressing primary issues and understanding the individualized nature of each patient's presentation.A collaborative approach between therapists and patients is essential in managing overlapping problems and setbacks. Modifying movement can allow individuals with HSD and EDS to engage in gentle exercise and maintain movement despite physical limitations.Deconditioning and weakness are common issues for individuals with HSD and EDS, and addressing these problems requires a comprehensive approach that considers the underlying causes and individual goals.Physical therapists should approach treatment with intention, focusing on building confidence and creating safe strengthening programs tailored to the individual's needs.Expanding the toolkit of physical therapy techniques, such as neural rehabilitation and manual therapies, can improve outcomes for individuals with HSD and EDS.
Chapters ➡
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:58 Motivation for Writing the Book
03:28 Challenges in Managing EDS and HSD
06:08 Different Types of Hypermobility and Connective Tissue Disorders
07:35 Approaching Physical Therapy for EDS and HSD
09:21 Primary Treatment Approach and Identifying Key Issues
21:04 Approaching Physical Therapy with Overlapping Problems
22:48 Non-Linear Path of Physical Therapy
31:01 Modifying Movement for Gentle Exercise
31:21 Addressing Deconditioning and Weakness
35:13 Neural Rehabilitation and Muscle Firing
36:09 Steps to Successful Strengthening
40:18 Expanding the Toolkit for Physical Therapy
43:13 Approaching Stabilization and Alignment
56:32 Hypermobility Hacks
Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.
Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.
YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓
Resources:
Virtual book event sign up
https://www.tamingthezebra.org
http://www.elevationwellness.co/
www.goodhealthphysicaltherapy.com/clinic-staff/
www.medbridge.com/heather-purdin-physical-therapy
https://www.olagrimsby.com/courses-page/
https://www.naiomt.com
https://feldenkrais.com
https://counterstrain.com
https://frequencyspecific.com
https://pt.wustl.edu/education/movement-system-impairment-syndromes-courses/where-in-the-world-is-shirley-sahrmann/
#ZebraWarriors #ZebraStrong #HSD #PhysicalTherapy #EhlersDanlos #Podcast #TamingTheZebra
#BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD -
92. Empowering Zebra Warriors: THE Guide to Effective Physical Therapy for EDS and HSD with Lilian Holm, DPT
In this Bendy Bodies podcast episode, Dr. Lillian Holm discusses effective physical therapy for EDS and HSD and the importance of correcting function to achieve pain relief and tolerance for exercise. She explains why physical therapy may not always lead to the expected outcome, emphasizing the need for specialized therapists and individualized treatment. She addresses common misconceptions about physical therapy and highlights the importance of communication and realistic expectations. Dr. Linda Bluestein and Dr. Holm cover topics such as progress and setbacks, balancing stretching with strengthening, starting to walk again after severe limitations, physical therapy for scoliosis, and helpful resources and information. Dr. Holm also shares her favorite hypermobility hacks to help individuals stay motivated and achieve their goals.
Takeaways
Physical therapy can be highly beneficial for symptomatic joint hypermobility, providing pain relief and improving function.Finding a specialized physical therapist with expertise in hypermobility conditions is crucial for successful treatment.Misconceptions about physical therapy, such as the belief that it should be painful, can hinder progress.Individualized treatment plans and gradual progression are key to achieving the best outcomes in physical therapy.Open communication with the physical therapist and realistic expectations are essential for success.
Chapters ➡
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lillian Holm
01:15 What can physical therapy do for people with symptomatic joint hypermobility?
04:19 Reasons why physical therapy may not lead to expected outcomes
09:09 How to find the best possible physical therapist for EDS and HSD
11:58 Misconceptions about physical therapy for joint hypermobility
21:25 Approach for people who don't like to exercise
25:41 Resetting the boom and bust cycle
35:23 Metrics for measuring success in physical therapy
50:18 Progress and Setbacks
52:47 Balancing Stretching with Strengthening
56:22 Starting to Walk Again
58:12 Physical Therapy for Scoliosis
01:01:04 Resources and Information
01:02:23 Hypermobility Hacks
Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.
Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.
YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓
Resources:
Learn more about guest, Dr. Lilian Holm:
https://www.lilianholm.com/
https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitydoctor/
https://www.facebook.com/HypermobilityD
Read her guest blog post for the Hypermobility MD website:
https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/post/hypermobile-five-principles-to-make-physical-therapy-work-for-you
#RareDiseaseDay #ZebraWarriors #ZebraStrong #HSD #PhysicalTherapy #EhlersDanlos #HypermobilityDoctor #Podcast
#BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD -
91. Hand Problems in EDS with Corinne McLees, OT and Hand Coach
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein and Corinne McLees discuss hand problems in EDS including pain, weakness, and injuries. This conversation covers various topics related to hand problems, including ring splints, hand exercises, avoiding strain and hyperextension, tips for traveling, challenges of the medical system for chronic pain, hand pain with writing, hand pain and numbness in sleep, thumb pain and De Quervain's tendonitis, cubital tunnel syndrome, TFCC tear, trigger finger and so much more.
Takeaways
Hand pain, weakness, and injuries are common in individuals with joint hypermobility.Hand pain in connective tissue disorders can be caused by hypermobility, subluxations, nerve impingement, and arthritis.TheraPutty is a useful tool for strengthening hands. Low profile hand support options include kinesio tape, silicone thumb supports, and the Push MetaGrip.Traditional therapies may not work for hand pain in hypermobility if the underlying hypermobility is not addressed.Ring splints can provide support and stability for hypermobile joints in the hands.Insurance coverage for ring splints may vary, and Silver Ring Splints is a US-based provider that offers insurance coverage options. Trigger finger occurs when the tissue surrounding a tendon becomes knotted, causing the tendon to catch and lock when the finger is flexed.Steroid injections combined with splinting can be effective in treating trigger finger, especially in acute cases.Trigger finger may be misdiagnosed in the hypermobile population, as it can be a result of subluxation rather than tissue accumulation.Hypermobility hacks include ergonomic hand movements, swimming, abdominal compression, and prioritizing daily movement.
YOUR host, as always, is Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:38 Difference between Occupational and Physical Therapy
04:44 Common Reasons for Hand Pain in Connective Tissue Disorders
09:53 Approach to Hypermobility in Hands
12:46 Strengthening Hands with TheraPutty
20:55 Strengthening Hands without Overdoing It
21:27 Reasons Traditional Therapies May Not Work for Hand Pain
24:08 Low Profile Hand Support Options
28:23 Ring Splints and Insurance Coverage
38:34 Ring Splints and Plastic Splints
40:33 Hand Exercises for Different Age Groups
42:33 Avoiding Strain and Hyperextension
45:21 Tips for Traveling with Hand Problems
47:51 Challenges of the Medical System for Chronic Pain
51:22 Hand Pain with Writing
53:52 Hand Pain and Numbness in Sleep
56:16 Thumb Pain and De Quervain's Tendonitis
59:17 Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
01:02:19 Torn Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC)
01:06:14 Decuervain's Tendonitis
01:09:17 TFCC Tear
01:13:32 Trigger Finger
01:17:31 Differentiating Trigger Finger from Subluxation
01:18:38 Pulley Injuries in Rock Climbers
01:19:25 Hypermobility Misdiagnosis
01:20:46 Hypermobility Hacks
Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.
Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.
YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓
Resources:
Learn more about guest, Corinne McLees here:
https://www.handcoachcorinne.com/
Check out the items mentioned in episode 91 here:
https://amzn.to/49FkaGY
Check out the Bendy Bodies Amazon Shop here:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd
Links to other products:
https://www.silverringsplint.com/
https://www.evabellejewelry.com/
https://bracelab.com/metagrip.html?utm_source=Affiliate+Partnership&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Corinne
#HandPain #HandProblems #HandWeakness #WristPain
#BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD -
90. Decoding Brain Fog: Expert Insights with Ilene Ruhoy, MD, PhD
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Dr. Ilene Ruhoy about causes of brain fog, as well as its relationship to various conditions such as mast cell activation syndrome, craniocervical instability, dysautonomia, and CSF leaks. She explains how these conditions contribute to cognitive dysfunction and the importance of identifying underlying causes. Dr. Ruhoy emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment approach for patients experiencing brain fog. They delve into the role of nutrition in cognitive function, emphasizing the impact of food choices on inflammation. They highlight the importance of avoiding processed foods and sugar, increasing vegetable consumption, and improving lifestyle factors. Dr. Ruhoy shares surprising findings on the MRI of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) patients.
YOUR host, as always, is Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD.
Takeaways
Brain fog is characterized by cognitive difficulties such as slow thinking, difficulty learning and recalling information, and trouble focusing and paying attention.Conditions such as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), craniocervical instability (CCI), dysautonomia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, and CSF leaks can contribute to cognitive dysfunction and brain fog.Intracranial hypertension (high pressure), hypotension (low pressure), and Tarlov cysts can also contribute to brain fog. Identifying the underlying causes of brain fog is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.A comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, imaging studies, and laboratory tests, can help determine the contributing factors and guide treatment decisions. Applying knowledge gained from podcasts and research in clinical practice can help healthcare professionals provide better care to their patients.Making a meaningful difference in patients' lives is a rewarding aspect of being a healthcare professional.Nutrition plays a crucial role in cognitive function, and food choices can either be anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory.Avoiding processed foods and sugar, increasing vegetable consumption, and improving lifestyle factors can positively impact cognitive function.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction of Dr. Ilene Ruhoy
01:57 Defining Brain Fog
04:14 Risk Factors for Brain Fog
09:42 Identifying Contributing Factors
11:52 Cognitive Dysfunction and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
14:09 Cognitive Dysfunction and Craniocervical Instability
18:18 Cognitive Dysfunction and CSF Leak
22:59 Cognitive Dysfunction and Dysautonomia
25:25 Cognitive Dysfunction and Upper Cervical Instability
30:12 Cognitive Dysfunction and CSF Leak
38:11 Applying Knowledge in Clinical Practice
39:04 The Importance of Making a Meaningful Difference
40:31 The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Function
42:38 The Impact of Food Choices on Inflammation
43:44 Avoiding Processed Foods and Sugar
44:38 The Role of Complex Carbohydrates and Dairy
45:28 Increasing Vegetable Consumption
46:44 Improving Lifestyle Factors
47:09 Where to Find Dr. Ilene Ruhoy Online
Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.
Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.
YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓
Resources:
https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/13-healing-the-brain-holistically-with-ilene-ruhoy-md-phd/
https://patreon.com/unraveledpod
https://instagram.com/ileneruhoymdphd/
https://twitter.com/RuhoyMD
https://tiktok.com/ileneruhoymdphd
#BrainFog #BrainFogAwareness #BrainHealth
#FunctionalMedicine #NutritionForBrainHealth #InflammationAwareness
#MastCellActivationSyndrome #MCAS #CSFLeakInsights #TarlovCystAwareness -
89. Conquering the Sleep Struggle with Roger Seheult, MD
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Dr. Roger Seheult about the importance of sleep for people with chronic illness, chronic pain, and joint hypermobility. Dr Seheult, a quadruple board-certified physician with expertise in sleep medicine, discusses various topics related to sleep, including the circadian rhythm, the impact of light on sleep, the effect of blue light on sleep, ideal bedtime, the impact of electronics on sleep, the role of melatonin, and the timing of eating and its effect on sleep. Other topics include challenges of working from home, sleep schedules and chronic illness, shifting sleep patterns, sleep apnea and its relationship with chronic illness, sleep medications, sleep watches and monitoring devices, sleep positions and joint instability, and the importance of sleep education in medical training. Dr. Seheult provides valuable insights and recommendations for improving sleep quality and managing sleep-related issues.
YOUR host, as always, is Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD.
Takeaways:
Sleep is crucial for people with chronic illness, chronic pain, and joint hypermobility.
Understanding the circadian rhythm is important for optimizing sleep.
Light, especially blue light, can significantly impact sleep quality.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
Morning light exposure is important for setting the body's internal clock.
The timing of eating can affect sleep quality.
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding late-night eating can improve sleep quality.
Shifting sleep patterns can be challenging, especially for individuals with chronic illness.
Sleep apnea is common in individuals with chronic illness and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes.
Home sleep studies can be effective in detecting sleep apnea, but in-lab studies may be necessary for individuals at higher risk of central apnea.
Sleep medications should be used cautiously due to potential side effects and dependency issues.
Sleep watches and monitoring devices can provide valuable insights into sleep patterns and quality.
Proper sleep positions, pillows, and mattresses can help alleviate joint instability and pain during sleep.
Education on sleep disorders and their relationship with chronic illness should be improved in medical training.
Patient advocacy and sharing information through podcasts can help raise awareness and improve access to sleep education.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction of Dr. Roger Seheult
03:22 Understanding the Circadian Rhythm
07:02 Impact of Light on Sleep
09:20 The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and its Role in Sleep
09:49 The Importance of Light for People with Chronic Illness
13:35 The Effect of Blue Light on Sleep
15:28 Ideal Bedtime for Optimal Sleep
17:25 The Impact of Electronics on Sleep
19:26 The Role of Melatonin in Sleep
20:05 The Importance of Morning Light
23:29 The Timing of Eating and its Effect on Sleep
24:00 Challenges of Working from Home and Small Meals
25:20 Sleep Schedule and Chronic Illness
28:57 Falling Asleep While Watching TV
31:49 Sleep Apnea and Chronic Illness
39:05 Sleep Apnea and Temporomandibular Dysfunction
44:09 EDS and Central Sleep Apnea
44:30 Elevating the Head of the Bed
45:23 Alignment Problems and Breathing
47:37 Sleep Medications and Side Effects
1:00:15 Supplements for Sleep
1:02:01 Sleep Watches and Monitoring Devices
1:03:01 Sleep Positions and Joint Instability
1:04:46 Paresthesias and Numbness in Sleep
1:05:11 Pillow Recommendations for Cervical Instability
1:07:35 Waking Up in Pain
1:09:58 Sympathetic Nervous System Activation
1:12:23 Safety of Melatonin
1:14:49 Improving Education on EDS and HSD
Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowled -
88. Service Dogs and Disability Rights with Tiffany Lee, JD
In this episode, Professor Tiffany Lee is interviewed about service dogs and disability rights and accommodations. They discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act, the definition of disability, and disability benefits. They also explore reasonable accommodations in the workplace and education settings, as well as the challenges and advocacy involved. The conversation covers topics such as disclosing disabilities to employers and universities, getting a service dog, dealing with unresponsive disability lawyers, appealing denied disability benefits, and correcting inaccuracies in medical records. The episode provides valuable insights and guidance for individuals with disabilities navigating legal and practical aspects of their rights and accommodations. Professor Lee wanted to clarify the following points from the discussion of Social Security disability. SSI places limits on assets ($2000 for an individual) and income. SSDI does not have an asset limit but requires the recipient not be able to engage in “substantial gainful activity,” which generally acts as an income limit. There is a “Ticket to Work” program called “Choose Work” available that provides some options similar to those in the earlier “Ticket to Work” program mentioned in this episode.
YOUR host, as always, is Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD.
Key points discussed:
**Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):** The conversation explores the ADA, a crucial piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and mandates reasonable accommodations.
**Disability Benefits:** The episode delves into disability benefits, including the process of applying, appealing denied benefits, and addressing inaccuracies in medical records.
**Workplace and Education Accommodations:** Reasonable accommodations in both workplace and education settings are explored, shedding light on the challenges and advocacy involved.
**Disclosure to Employers and Universities:** Professor Tiffany Lee provides insights into the considerations and potential challenges of disclosing disabilities to employers and universities.
**Service Dogs:** The episode discusses obtaining a service dog and the associated considerations.
**Dealing with Disability Lawyers:** Challenges related to unresponsive disability lawyers are addressed, offering guidance on how to navigate such situations.
**Financial Impact of Disability:** The limitations and financial impact of applying for disability, including asset limits and restrictions on work and income, are discussed.
**Flaws in the Disability System:** Issues within the disability system, such as the poverty threshold and its impact on marriage, are highlighted.
**Emergency Response Accessibility:** Making disaster and emergency response accessible to people with disabilities is discussed.
Overall, the episode provides an exploration of the legal, practical, and personal aspects of disability rights and accommodations, offering valuable insights and guidance for individuals with disabilities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:14 Americans with Disabilities Act
03:28 Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace
04:38 Determining Reasonable Accommodations
09:07 Accommodations in High School and College
11:22 Challenges with Disability Services in Education
13:59 Advocating for Accommodations in Education
16:36 Disclosing Disabilities to Employers and Universities
19:03 Determining Job Compatibility with Accommodations
21:03 Getting a Service Dog
23:37 Regulations and Considerations for Service Dog Training
36:33 Dealing with Unresponsive Disability Lawyers
38:07 Appealing Denied Disability Benefits
40:03 Legal Recourse for Undertreatment of Pain
43:07 Accommodations for Productivity Standards
43:45 Correcting Inaccuracies in Medical Records
47:46 Knowing When to Get an Accommodation or Apply for Disability
48:36 Considerations for Applying for Disability
50:23 Assets and Poverty Thr
Customer Reviews
Rich source for hypermobility and Ehlers Danlos
I am so grateful for this podcast and the medical information Dr. Bluestein and her fabulous range of guests provide. Thank you!
Bendy Bodies A
I so appreciate this podcast and its ability to bring complex subject matter in an accessible way!!!! THANK YOU, Dr. Linda Bluestein!!!! As a parent of an adult with hEDS, MCAS, POTS, and many other related conditions, I struggle on a daily basis to educate others, especially providers, and other skeptics in our lives about the multiple various medical conditions that my offspring deals with—on top of being gender non-binary, non-neuro-typical, short, and female presenting—ie, ripe for dismissal on multiple counts. I have shared your podcast and will continue to do so.
WOW! Must listen for EDS and related conditions
This podcast is so informative and educational. It changes lives because knowledge is power, and Dr Bluestein has design this podcast so everyone has access to expert info. Thank you so much!