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:

22. Managing Dysautonomia with Svetlana Blitshteyn, M.D. Nov 19, 2020

Show notes

In this second interview with Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, board-certified neurologist and director of the Dysautonomia Clinic, we go beyond identifying common disorders such as POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and take a look at how people with these conditions can improve their quality of life.

Dr. Blitshteyn talks about effective exercises for people with POTS, easy steps to boost sodium and fluid intake, and how important it is to address sleep disorders in this population. She discusses why people might need to be tested for comorbidities such as EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes) or autoimmune disorders, the difficulty in treating fatigue in this population, and how people can find help with their dysautonomia.

Dr. Blitshteyn also explains post-viral dysautonomia and why it’s important to understand in this time of COVID, and expresses her hopes for the future of dysautonomia treatment and research.

Learn about Dr. Blitshteyn, https://www.dysautonomiaclinic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DysautonomiaClinic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dysclinic Learn about Bendy Bodies: Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/podcast Instagram: @bendy_bodies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast/

Learn about Dr. Linda Bluestein: Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com Instagram: @hypermobilitymd Twitter: @hypermobilityMD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hypermobilityMD/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hypermobilityMD/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/

Learn about Jennifer Milner: Website: www.jennifer-milner.com Instagram: @jennifer.milner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermilnerbodiesinmotion/

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21. Demystifying Dysautonomia with Svetlana Blitshteyn, M.D. Nov 05, 2020

Show notes

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term used to describe disorders of the autonomic nervous system (which controls all the automatic functions of the body like blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, temperature regulation, etc.). Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, a board-certified neurologist and director of the Dysautonomia Clinic, joins us as we dig into these disorders and explore their defining features.

POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), small-fiber neuropathy, and neurocardiogenic syncope are frequent comorbidities with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes), Marfan Syndrome, and other disorders of connective tissue. Dr. Blitshteyn discusses who is considered high-risk for POTS, explains neurocardiogenic syncope and small-fiber neuropathy, and talks about the difference between the three disorders. She explores common symptoms of POTS and outlines frequent comorbidities such as MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and EDS.

Finally, Dr. Blitshteyn answers the question - Is there a link between dysautonomia and autoimmune issues?

An in-depth exploration of dysautonomia and what that might entail for the hypermobile population, this episode is important for patients and healthcare professionals alike who are eager to learn about these complex disorders.

Learn about Dr. Blitshteyn, https://www.dysautonomiaclinic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DysautonomiaClinic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dysclinic

Learn more about Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD at our website and be sure to follow us on social media: Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com Instagram: @hypermobilitymd Twitter: @hypermobilityMD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hypermobilityMD/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hypermobilityMD/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/

And follow guest co-host Jennifer at the links below: Website: www.jennifer-milner.com Instagram: @jennifer.milner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermilnerbodiesinmotion/

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20. Building Better Bone Strength with Rebekah Rotstein Oct 22, 2020

Show notes

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects tens of millions of people each year. Dancers and other high-level athletes are often at higher risk due to low body weight, increased time indoors, and suboptimal nutritional support.

Rebekah Rotstein is a former pre-professional dancer who received a shocking diagnosis of osteoporosis at age 28, and then spent the next several years looking for ways to optimize her bone strength through exercise and nutrition. Rebekah is a movement educator and certified Pilates instructor who has presented at conferences and symposia around the world on the topics of bone health, anatomy and movement, and is the founder of Buff Bones®, a research-supported system combining education and focused exercises aimed at the optimization of bone and joint health.

Rebekah shares the knowledge she’s gained in her extensive research on osteoporosis and stresses that a diagnosis isn’t the end of the world but rather a test for advocating for oneself. She discusses why bone density is especially important for those with hypermobility disorders. She theorizes on why dancers should be informed about osteoporosis, and emphasizes the importance of finding a good nutritionist, trainer, and more.

Finally, Rebekah shares how her diagnosis planted a desire to help people with osteoporosis, and to help future generations prevent it.

Links: https://buff-bones.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gotbuffbones/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/rebekahrotstein/?hl=en Rebekah@buff-bones.com

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19. Living fully with a Hypermobility Disorder with Linda Bluestein, M.D. Oct 08, 2020

Show notes

In this second interview with Bendy Bodies host Dr. Linda Bluestein, she explores the realities of living with a connective tissue disorder. As a renowned hypermobility expert, Dr. Bluestein discusses issues that can exist alongside Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), such as autoimmune issues, dysautonomia, and more. She shares her acronym for maintaining a high quality of life, discusses the small changes that can add up to meaningful improvement in quality of life, and reveals her hopes for the future of HSD/EDS research and treatment.

And follow guest co-host Jennifer at the links below: Website: www.jennifer-milner.com Instagram: @jennifer.milner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermilnerbodiesinmotion/

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18. Molding Healthy, Successful Artists with Mariaelena Ruiz Sep 25, 2020

Show notes

How do you prepare a hypermobile student for the rigors of the professional dance world, finding that balance of exploring their gifts while moving cautiously to avoid injury? In this episode, we are joined by Mariaelena Ruiz, director of Cary Ballet Conservatory’s Professional Training Program and recipient of the 2019 Outstanding Teacher Award at the Youth America Grand Prix NYC Finals. She discusses her experiences training high-level dancers who wrestle with their hypermobility.

Mariaelena brings her decades as a professional ballerina with a wonky body to her classroom and has a personal understanding of the struggles hypermobile dancers face. She asserts that her injuries also made her both a better dancer and a better teacher, and made her a firm believer in cross-training. She discusses why her teaching is focused on strength and not bendiness, and how she shapes a student’s training over the course of several years.

We talk about why slower is better, and how she and her team approach the long-term training of a hypermobile dancer. She shares tips for teachers of hypermobile dancers, gives advice for frustrated bendy dancers, and reveals what she’d like to see support-wise from the dance medicine community.

Full of thoughtfulness and packed with advice, Mariaelena’s interview is not one to miss!

Learn about Mariaelena Ruiz and follow her on social media: https://www.caryballet.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CaryBallet/ https://www.instagram.com/mariaelenaruizofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/caryballet/

Learn about Dr. Linda Bluestein, the hypermobility MD, at our website and be sure to follow us on social media: Website: www.hypermobilitymd.com and www.bendybodies.org Instagram: @hypermobilitymd and @bendy_bodies Twitter: @hypermobilityMD Facebook: www.facebook.com/hypermobilityMD/ and www.facebook.com/bendybodiespodcast/ Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/hypermobilityMD/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/

And follow guest co-host Jennifer at the links below: Website: www.jennifer-milner.com Instagram: @jennifer.milner Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennifermilnerbodiesinmotion/

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17. Training the Hypermobile Dancer with Jennifer Milner Sep 10, 2020

Show notes

For people working with artistic athletes such as dancers, circus artists, and gymnasts, training the hypermobile body brings its own set of challenges. Shepherding a “wonky body” through healthy training may feel overwhelming and frustrating and, at times, like you’re spinning your wheels. Dr. Linda Bluestein turns the tables to chat with Bendy Bodies' regular guest co-host Jennifer Milner about what it takes to train a hypermobile dancer or athlete.

Jennifer brings her almost twenty years of cross-training dancers across the globe to the conversation, revealing what she’s learned from her dancers and her own dance career navigating injuries with a hypermobile body. She shares what she’s observed in the hypermobile population and how she approaches their training differently than the general population. Jennifer discusses her goals in working with hypermobile dancers and provides concrete suggestions on how to achieve them. She discloses what she wishes dance teachers and medical professionals knew about hypermobile dancers, and how dancers with hypermobility can add longevity to their careers.

This interview is full of practical suggestions. It's a must listen for dance teachers, strength and conditioning coaches, healthcare professionals, and dancers themselves!

Learn about Jennifer Milner: Website: www.jennifer-milner.com Instagram: @jennifer.milner Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennifermilnerbodiesinmotion/

Learn about Dr. Linda Bluestein, the hypermobility MD, at our website and be sure to follow us on social media: Website: www.hypermobilitymd.com and www.BendyBodiesPodcast.com Instagram: @hypermobilitymd and @bendybodiespodcast Twitter: @hypermobilityMD Facebook: www.facebook.com/hypermobilityMD/ and www.facebook.com/bendybodiespodcast/ Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/hypermobilityMD/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/

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16. Empowering Flexibility with Dr. Jen Crane, DPT Aug 28, 2020

Show notes

Extreme flexibility has permeated social media and influenced every physical art form, from dance to ice skating and of course circus arts. As artistic athletes are asked to explore greater and more unstable end ranges of motion, performers are often left to figure out how to stay healthy for themselves. For those artists and athletes, the question isn’t IF they should work in an end range of motion, but HOW.

Dr. Jen Crane, a physical therapist specializing in circus arts, chats with us on how to do just that. She talks about the difference between productive discomfort and non-productive discomfort, and how to self-assess between the two. She weighs in on the pros and cons of seeking a definitive diagnosis for EDS or other connective tissue disorders, and emphasizes the need to be strong in your end range. Jen shares her views on passive versus active stretching, how she increases flexibility with strength drills, and sketches out the changes she’d like to see in circus arts training.

Perfect for all people with hypermobility looking to learn more about strengthening, as well as anyone wanting to pursue increasing their flexibility in a healthy way, this episode is a wealth of information on stretching and strengthening safely.

Learn about Jen Crane, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC Website: https://www.cirquephysio.com Instagram: @Cirque_Physio

Learn more about Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, at our website and be sure to follow us on social media: Website: www.hypermobilitymd.com and www.BendyBodiesPodcast.com Instagram: @hypermobilitymd and @bendybodiespodcast Twitter: @hypermobilityMD Facebook: www.facebook.com/hypermobilityMD/ and www.facebook.com/bendybodiespodcast/ Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/hypermobilityMD/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/

Learn about guest co-host Jennifer Milner: Website: www.jennifer-milner.com Instagram: @jennifer.milner Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennifermilnerbodiesinmotion/

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15. Shaping a Healthy Career with Beckanne Sisk Aug 11, 2020

Show notes

Hypermobility is often desired in dancers for the long, beautiful lines it affords. But hypermobility adds its own challenges to dancers seeking a long, healthy career on the stage.

In this episode, we chat with principal dancer from Ballet West and international guest star Beckanne Sisk about how she manages her hypermobility. Beckanne opens up about learning to rein in her hypermobility, discovering when to hold back and when to lean into it, as well as how her pre-professional teachers helped her learn control.

She talks about how she maintains her strength and flexibility, what her maintenance program looks like, and why she stresses the importance of mentally working correctly while approaching the work thoughtfully. Beckanne speaks frankly about her approach to stretching safely (hint: it’s not about stretching, it’s about strengthening!) and advice she’d like to share with younger hypermobile dancers (hint: stop stretching and start strengthening!)

Beckanne explains why she’s grateful for her scoliosis and hypermobility, how they’ve challenged and shaped her as a dancer, and what she wants to share with the next generation of dancers.

A must-listen for every dancer living with the blessings and challenges of hypermobility, this episode is one you won't want to miss!

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14. Stabilizing the Hypermobile Body through Circus Arts with Emily Scherb, PT, DPT Jul 30, 2020

Show notes

Nowhere is flexibility and hypermobility more valued and explored than in the circus arts! But while circus artists are highly skilled and extremely strong, working in extreme end ranges of motion comes with its own set of issues and potential injuries. In this podcast, we chat with Dr. Emily Scherb, a DPT who specializes in circus and performing arts.

Emily examines what’s similar (and different) between circus and performing arts, looks at what is “normal” for the circus population, and outlines when to push into your end range and when not to. We explore the differences in rehabilitating the hypermobile versus the non-hypermobile population, who Emily would like to see on an artist’s dream support team, and why she literally wrote the book on anatomy for aerial artists.

Emily explains why she prioritizes education for instructors and performers alike, and how she wants to change the language of technique and instill self-knowledge for the next generation. Emily believes circus training can be beneficial for all populations, and encourages adults to start recreational classes!

As she says, “It’s never too late to come play with the circus!”

Learn more about Emily: https://www.thecircusdoc.com/ Instagram: @thecircusdoc

Check out these educational programs: Intro to circus healthcare discount code makes it just $5 https://circusanatomy.com/p/learning-the-ropes/?product_id=1946251&coupon_code=CIRCUSBODIES

Hanging Analysis of the Shoulder course https://circusanatomy.com/p/hanging-analysis-of-the-shoulder

Learn more about Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD at our website and be sure to follow us on social media: Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com and www.BendyBodiesPodcast.com Instagram: @hypermobilitymd Twitter: @hypermobilityMD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hypermobilityMD/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hypermobilityMD/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/

And follow guest co-host Jennifer at the links below:
Website: www.jennifer-milner.com Instagram: @jennifer.milner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermilnerbodiesinmotion/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13. Healing the Brain Holistically with Ilene Ruhoy M.D., Ph.D. Jul 17, 2020

Show notes

Many conditions found in "bendy" people have a neurologic basis, impacting both the brain and nervous system. In this Bendy Bodies episode, Dr. Ilene Ruhoy, the Medical Director and Founder of the Center for Healing Neurology, walks us through the integrative approach she takes to healing the brain and the body.

Dr. Ruhoy discusses the “cross talk” between the gut and the brain and explains how the food we eat and the way we exercise affects our most vital organ, the brain. She covers migraines, myofascial pain, neck pain, “brain fog”, dysautonomia, and more. She shares her approach to the Pentad - EDS, dysautonomia, MCAS, autoimmune diseases, and GI problems - and why she thinks the "Octad" may be the more appropriate term.

Dr. Ruhoy explores the connection between hypermobility and dysautonomia, explains how she approaches small fiber neuropathy, and elaborates on the value of packaged protocols as a place for people to start, while acknowledging that everyone has his own story and no two people are alike.

Learn more about Dr. Ruhoy at https://www.centerforhealingneurology.com

And follow guest co-host Jennifer at the links below: Website: www.jennifer-milner.com Instagram: @jennifer.milner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermilnerbodiesinmotion/

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