Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein

Whether you’re bendy with all the benefits or hurting in all the wrong places, you’ve come to the right place for all things hypermobility. Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are often dismissed or overlooked by healthcare providers as a cause of chronic pain. But if you or someone you care about struggles with the life-altering symptoms of hypermobility, you should know YOU ARE NOT ALONE! At the Bendy Bodies Podcast, we understand.
Each week, join Dr. Linda Bluestein (The Hypermobility MD) as she pulls back the curtain on how to prevent injury and unnecessary suffering in “double-jointed” individuals seeking a more comfortable life in their unique, complex “bendy bodies.” When you tune in, you’re engaging in more than a podcast. Both on-air and online, you’re joining a supportive community where patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals trade insights, life hacks, and inspiring stories to embrace our Bendy Bodies journey together!

Latest Episodes:

72. Examining Upper Extremity Pain with Pradeep Chopra, MD Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

Joints of the upper extremity (eg: shoulders, elbows, fingers, etc) can be prone to subluxation and dislocation in those with joint hypermobility and/or joint instability. As we continue our discussions on common causes of pain throughout the body with Pradeep Chopra, MD, we focus on an often-overloaded area of the body: the upper extremities.

Dr. Chopra breaks down the shoulder joint and its inherent instability. He gives advice on how to have hard conversations about sports that push an excessive range of motion in the upper extremities, and addresses noisy joints (eg: cavitation) in the hypermobile person.

Dr. Chopra shares his experience with muscle relaxants, and why releasing tight muscles is not always helpful with joint pain. He also explains thoracic outlet syndrome and how it can mimic cervical disc issues, making it difficult to find effective treatments. We cover complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and how this extremely painful condition may influence treatment choices.

Pain and hypermobility in the wrists and hands are covered, and Dr. Chopra shares how your writing style might be influenced by joint hypermobility. He offers hacks to increase proprioception in fine motor skills, and explains the downside to wearing a full hand brace.

With an incredible body of knowledge to share, Dr. Chopra continues to help us examine complicated issues in a methodical way.

For doctors, therapists, patients, and anyone associated with connective tissue disorders, this is another episode to add to your must-listen list.

Learn more about Dr. Chopra here.

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71. Examining Head, Spine, and Chest Pain with Pradeep Chopra, MD Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

Connective tissue runs throughout your body, surrounding and connecting every system. This is what makes treating issues that arise from connective tissue disorders so difficult: when everything is connected, it’s hard to find the root cause of something.

We’re in the midst of our summer series with Dr. Pradeep Chopra, renowned expert on connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. In this discussion, Dr. Chopra talks through several common causes of head, neck, and chest pain in people with connective tissue disorders or symptomatic joint hypermobility.

Dr. Chopra discusses his approach to exploring a patient’s signs and symptoms, and dives into common causes of headaches in this population and how to seek treatment. He shares headache hacks for different types of head pain and explains Chiari malformation and various problems that may arise from it.

Dr. Chopra also offers hacks for TMD head pain, and touches briefly on craniocervical instability. He shares why he looks for cranial settling, looks at rib subluxations, and offers hacks for them as well. Finally, Dr. Chopra discusses chronic pain and the loneliness it may cause, emphasizing the benefits that may come from having an understanding support group.

Another episode full of wisdom and encouragement from one of the world’s top experts in his field, you will find yourself listening, saving and sharing it with everyone!

#RootCauseAnalysis #PatientCare #HeadAndSpineHealth #ChiariAwareness #UprightMRIAdvantage #SpinalConditions #ChiariWarrior #MRIInnovation #NeurologicalDisorders #SpineHealthMatters #ChiariJourney #AdvancedImaging #HSD #JointHyermobility #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #EhlersDanlos --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message

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70. Examining Abdominal Pain with Pradeep Chopra, MD Jun 29, 2023

Show notes

Abdominal pain is an extremely common finding in people with connective tissue disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). Similar to other issues patients face with EDS or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), getting answers can be challenging. Often, people go from specialist to specialist, trying to get help. Gastroenterologists, allergists, nutritionists, and pain specialists may look at abdominal pain from very different points of view. So getting complete information can be elusive and frustrating.

That’s why Bendy Bodies took this opportunity to talk about abdominal pain with Dr. Pradeep Chopra, a pain management physician who works with complex chronic pain conditions. Dr. Chopra lists many possible causes of abdominal pain, and talks through different diagnoses and how they might be interrelated.

Dr. Chopra looks at over two dozen different diagnoses, from gastroparesis to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) to endometriosis. He shares his approach to uncovering abdominal pain sources, as well as the question he asks himself with every patient.

Finally, Dr. Chopra offers some concrete tips for people suffering with abdominal pain. He suggests solutions for people who have trouble absorbing medication, and reveals his hacks for people working to sort out the source of their abdominal pain.

For doctors looking to deepen their understanding of abdominal pain, as well as people trying to figure their own issues out, this deep dive of a podcast is not to be missed.

Learn more about Dr. Chopra here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message

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69. Traveling with a Chronic Disorder with Dr. Linda Bluestein, Kristin Koskinen RDN, and Jennifer Milner NCPT Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

Travel comes with a lot of uncertainty: flights get canceled, hotel reservations are lost, luggage never turns up. But add the complications of traveling with a chronic disorder like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and voyaging becomes even more complicated.

How can you plan for contingencies, guard yourself against flares, and still have a fantastic time while traveling? The Bendy Bodies team shares their favorite tips on traveling during this round table discussion.

We share suggestions for actions to take leading up to the trip, reveal items we cannot live without on a trip, and look at ways to combat the effects of travel on a bendy body.

Dr. Bluestein gives advice on preparing for traveling without your “pit crew”. Jennifer Milner addresses how to stay active on the trip without overdoing it, and Kristin Koskinen shares her top three tips for finding food to support your nutritional needs while away from your favorite grocery stores.

The team offers their best all-around travel tips and advice for planning - as well as knowing that if things go awry, it will be ok!

For anyone planning to travel soon, this episode is so packed with tips that you’ll find yourself taking notes while you listen!

Learn more about Jennifer Milner, NCPT, Kristin Koskinen, RDN, and Linda Bluestein, MD.

PS: Do not transport controlled substances across state (or country) lines outside of their original container, as that is illegal. If you need a smaller container, ask your pharmacist. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message

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68. Fostering Hope for Hypermobility with Cortney Gensemer, PhD, Victoria Daylor, and Linda Bluestein, MD May 25, 2023

Show notes

Symptomatic joint hypermobility can be difficult to understand and can present in so many different ways. Recently, Victoria Daylor, Dr. Cortney Gensemer, Dr. Russell Norris, and Dr. Linda Bluestein published a CME two-part series titled “Hope for Hypermobility - An Integrative Approach to Treating Symptomatic Joint Hypermobility”. We were able to sit down with Dr. Gensemer, Ms. Daylor, and Dr. Bluestein to discuss their research and the results.

They share how the collaboration came about and the developmental process they went through. The co-authors reveal their intentions behind the articles, and three things they want people to know about symptomatic joint hypermobility (SJH).

The panel of guests discuss what they see for the future of joint hypermobility and related conditions, and stress the importance of properly done research. Written to be accessible both for people with SJH and medical professionals, these articles may well be a defining reference for many people in the future!

With limited-time free access to Part 1 and Part 2 of this peer reviewed series, you will want to dive into these papers and share with others as soon as possible!

#Hypermobility #ChronicPain #ConnectiveTissueDisorder #JointSupport #MedicalResearch #JointPain #SymptomManagement #Healthcare #PatientEducation #DoctorPatientRelationship #HopeForHypermobility #KnowledgeIsPower #Education #Scientist #WomenInStem #DisabledInStem --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message

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67. Destigmatizing Eating Disorders with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani May 11, 2023

Show notes

Eating disorders are complicated and not uncommon in artistic athletes. Common comorbidities of symptomatic joint hypermobility (SJH), like mast cell activation disorder (MCAD) or gastroparesis, may contribute to disordered eating, which can spiral into an eating disorder. For years, eating disorders have been stigmatized and dismissed by many in the health community.

To discuss this difficult topic, Bendy Bodies sat down with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, MD, CEDS-S, FAED, and founder of the Gaudiani Clinic for Eating Disorders.

Dr. Gaudiani shares how she became so passionate about caring for this complex population and the importance of understanding her patient’s stories. She talks about why there’s such a stigma around eating disorders and how she’s working to change that.

We discuss why this topic is so important for those with SJH and cover possible eating disorder mimickers. We break down definitions and explore possible predictors of eating disorders.

Dr. Gaudiani shares the aspects of treatment that she has found vital, and offers tips on how to speak to someone you suspect may have an eating disorder. Finally, she reveals ways to find experts for getting the help needed for an eating disorder. Learn more about the Gaudiani Clinic here.

For physicians, dance teachers, coaches, and anyone struggling with an eating disorder, this episode is a valuable look at a difficult topic.

#MentalHealth #BodyPositive #Nutritionist #DoctorsOfIG #IntuitiveEating #EDWarriors #Recovery #SportsNutrition #ChronicIllness #EatingDisorders #PlantBasedNutrition #MentalHealthMatters #NutritionMatters #InvisibleIllness #AntiDiet #AntiDietCulture --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message

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66. Codifying Upper Cervical Instability with Leslie Russek, DPT, PhD Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

Upper cervical instability (UCI) occurs quite commonly in the mild form and more rarely in the severe form in those with symptomatic generalized joint hypermobility (S-GJH). Both can be impactful and are frequently missed. An international team of physical / physiotherapy clinicians and a S-GJH expert rheumatologist recently published expert consensus recommendations for screening, assessing and managing patients with UCI associated with S-GJH. Bendy Bodies sat down with first author, Leslie Russek, DPT, PhD, to discuss this important paper.

Hypermobility (too much range of motion) is different from instability (difficulty controlling motion at the joints). UCI, upper cervical instability, means that the muscles and nerves lack the ability to appropriately control movement at the joint and sense where the joint is in space. When UCI is severe it can be debilitating. Except in the most extreme forms of UCI, conservative (ie: non-surgical) therapies are usually considered first. Improving joint stability is the goal and Dr. Russek explains what patient factors are important to consider in determining treatment strategy.

Dr. Russek explains the difference between “highly suggestive” and “common” symptoms as well as musculoskeletal UCI vs neurological UCI. She describes the three levels of irritability and how those should be approached in clinical practice. Yellow and red flags in the history and the physical examination are addressed.

Whether you are someone who suspects upper cervical instability or treats them, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

Learn more here.

Hashtags: #CervicalSpineInstability #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #ChronicIllness #SpineInstability #ZebraSurvivor #ChronicPain #CervicalSpinalFusion #InvisibleIllness #Hypermobility #SpineHealth #hEDS #EDSawareness #ChronicPainWarrior #SpineFusion #ButYouDontLookSick #Instability #HSD --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message

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65. Finding Balance with Jenelle Manzi Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

Thriving as a professional artist with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can be challenging. Finding a balance between pushing yourself physically and listening to your body when it needs rest is difficult when you are part of a company. How do you push yourself to the edge of your limits, but not over them? We asked Jenelle Manzi, a professional dancer with New York City Ballet, this very question. enelle shares her stories of growing up dancing with EDS. She describes her journey as a young professional, figuring out how to work with a chronic illness, and talks through her early injuries and what she learned from them. Jenelle opens up about hitting a wall with her EDS, and how she took time to get her health under control and figure out what works for her. She shares how her health journey inspired her to start her company Get Golden, and goes deep into her methods for staying at an elite performance level while maintaining long-term health.

Learn more about Jenelle here. . . . . .

#EDSawareness #BalletWithEDS #ChronicIllnessWarrior #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #DancerWithEDS #SpoonieBallet #DisabilityInclusion #HealthJourney #InvisibleDisability #BalletDancer #DisabilityAdvocate #BalletInspiration #ChronicPainLife #HealthStory #EDSsupport #hEDS --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message

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64. Demystifying Chiropractic Care with Dr. Carrie Skony Mar 23, 2023

Show notes

Chiropractic care has been around for over 100 years, but many people don’t quite know what it entails. Artistic athletes may be told to add regular chiropractic visits to their regimen to help relieve pain without really understanding why.

How does a method best known for joint manipulation work for those with hypermobile bodies? Is it a valid treatment option? And what exactly is it, anyway?

Dr. Carrie Skony is a certified chiropractic sports physician and owner of Perform Active Wellness Dance Medicine. Specializing in dancers, Dr. Skony sees many hypermobile bodies and sat to talk with us about how people with hypermobility may (or may not) benefit from seeing a chiropractor.

Dr. Skony defines chiropractic care for us, outlining the broad spectrum of options that fall under its umbrella. She covers what sort of issues may cause people to seek out chiropractic care, different kinds of chiropractic care people may encounter, as well as common misconceptions about chiropractors.

Dr. Skony cautions against indiscriminate joint manipulation, and describes how she changes her treatment approach when working with someone with symptomatic hypermobility.

She talks through her method of working with dancers through a variety of modalities, including hands-on treatments, strengthening exercises, and more.

Common comorbidities in hypermobile patients and how that may change Dr. Skony’s treatment approaches are explained, and she offers tips on how to find a good chiropractor in your own area. Finally, she shares her desire to educate dance instructors on working with hypermobility for future generations of dancers.

If you’ve been skeptical of chiropractic care, unsure of what it is, or a huge fan of it, this episode goes deep on the topic in an easy-to-understand way.

Learn more about Dr. Skony here.
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#Chiro #ChiropracticCare #Adjustment #JointManipulation #Hypermobility #Hypermobile #hEDS #EDS #Modalities #LowBackPain #Chiropractors #Subluxation #Dislocation #JointInstability #ChiropracticAdjustment #Headaches #Doctor #ChronicIllness --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message

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63. Shining Your Light with Gigi Robinson Mar 09, 2023

Show notes

Living with a chronic illness like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can be demoralizing. You may not have access to the care you need, loved ones do not get it, and loneliness can be a reality for so many people.

Gigi Robinson was diagnosed with EDS at 11 years old, and one of the lucky ones to receive support and care from a very early age. Even so, heading off to college and needing to advocate for herself was a difficult transition. As she moved into adulthood, her natural passion for learning turned into a desire to help others who experience some of the same issues. She quickly became an outspoken advocate for Gen Z in particular, but for anyone struggling with chronic illness, body image issues, and more. She used her platform as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model to shine light on EDS and body dysmorphia. Now a successful podcast host and powerful social influencer, Gigi speaks around the globe on these topics, educating and encouraging people.

Bendy Bodies recently caught up with Gigi and chatted about her life as an advocate with a chronic illness.

Gigi shares her early experiences with EDS, her diagnosis, and how she learned to advocate for herself in a school setting. Gigi opens up about being a swimsuit model while advocating for body positivity, and describes her passion for speaking up for Gen Z.

Gigi dives into her mental health advocacy, reveals her tips for pacing herself in her daily life, and offers advice to caregivers of people with chronic illnesses, as well as encouragement to those struggling with a chronic illness.

An inspiring and uplifting story of positivity and encouragement, Gigi’s conversation is sure to inspire others to look within themselves for strength and ways to shine their own lights for others.

#ChronicIllness #Advocate #hEDS #EhlersDanlos #MentalHealth #BodyImage #DisabledModel #BodyDysmorphia #Hypermobility #RepresentationMatters #BodyPositivity #GenZ #InclusiveFashion #AbilityNotDisability --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message

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