Zebra Talks: Living Your Best Bendy Life

POTS Diagnosis and Treatment with Dr. David Saperstein

In this episode of Zebra Talks, Libby welcomes Dr. David Saperstein, Director of the Center for Complex Neurology, EDS, and POTS in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Saperstein shares his journey into specializing in EDS and POTS, the complexities of diagnosing and treating POTS, and the importance of staying curious and open-minded in medical practice.
 
They discuss the challenges of diagnosing POTS, the importance of thorough testing, and various treatment strategies, including the critical role of salt and water intake. Dr. Saperstein also emphasizes the need for flexibility in treatment plans to better meet individual patient needs. Tune in to gain valuable insights into managing these complex conditions and hear about Dr. Saperstein's innovative approaches.
 
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Dr. David Saperstein
01:45 Dr. Saperstein's Journey into EDS and POTS
03:47 Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating POTS
10:00 Understanding POTS and Its Complexities
18:29 Diagnostic Criteria and Testing for POTS
31:06 Treatment Strategies for POTS
36:54 Managing POTS with Lifestyle Changes
41:36 Conclusion and Contact Information

Hypermobility: Not Just a Tissue Difference, with Katy Bowman

In this episode of Zebra Talks, Dr. Libby Hinsley hosts biomechanist and bestselling author Katy Bowman to discuss the unique features of hypermobile bodies. Katy shares her insights on biomechanics, tissue creep, and the importance of proprioception and attentional focus for hypermobile bodies.
They also explore the impact of sedentary culture and strategies for integrating more diverse movements into daily life. Katie explains her evolutionary perspective on movement and emphasizes the need for hypermobile individuals to engage in movement that enhances body awareness and stability.
Practical tips, theoretical insights, and Katie's innovative approach to movement therapy make this a must-listen for those living with hypermobility.
 
Highlights of this episode include:
00:35 Meet Katie Bowman: Biomechanist and Movement Expert
 
01:56 Understanding Biomechanics and Hypermobility
 
09:40 The Impact of Sedentary Culture on Hypermobility
 
17:17 Practical Tips for Managing Hypermobility
 
22:15 The Psychological Aspect of Movement
 
34:00 Final Thoughts and Resources
 

The Making of Bendy & Badass with Libby & Becca Lee

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley is joined by strength and conditioning coach Becca Lee to discuss their collborative innovative strength training class 'Bendy and Badass,' designed specifically for people with hypermobility syndromes.
They share their journey in developing the class, discuss the unique challenges faced by hypermobile individuals, and explain effective strategies and exercises used to help participants build strength and improve quality of life. The conversation also highlights the importance of slow, controlled movements, personalized programming, and the significance of community support within the class setting.
Highlights of this episode include:
00:35 Meet Becca Lee: Strength and Conditioning Coach
01:03 The Journey to Bendy and Badass
01:23 Becca's Coaching Philosophy
03:28 Libby's Personal Training Experience
12:59 The Birth of Bendy and Badass Class
14:23 Class Structure and Community Impact
16:14 Exercise Selection and Programming
23:10 Dumbbells and Progressive Loading
23:34 Four-Week Programming Cycle
28:36 Importance of Slow and Controlled Movements
34:11 Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
40:57 Community and Individual Progress
46:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Running and Hypermobility with Kate Bochnewetch

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley is joined by Dr. Kate Bochnewetch, a physical therapist and run coach, to discuss running with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and other chronic illnesses.
 
Kate shares her personal journey with hypermobility, POTS, and chronic migraine, and how these experiences influenced her approach to training runners with similar conditions. Topics covered include the importance of a gentle, conservative, and health-focused training plan, the role of strength training, managing stress, and the selection of appropriate footwear.
 
Kate also offers insights into pacing and mental preparedness, emphasizing the need for individualized care and flexibility in exercise routines. Listeners interested in learning more about Kate's work can find her on Instagram at @the_running_dpt or visit her website at therunningdpt.com.
 
Highlights of this episode include:
 
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Kate Bognawicz: Physical Therapist and Coach
01:36 Kate's Journey with Hypermobility
03:30 Challenges in Traditional PT Practice
06:34 Approach to Running Training for EDS/HSD
08:20 Indicators for Running Readiness
10:07 Debunking Myths About Running with EDS/HSD
14:31 Strength Training for Joint Stability
16:51 Running Progression Timeline
22:04 Managing POTS in Running Training
24:14 Footwear Recommendations
27:08 Run-Walk Approach and Stress Management
32:18 Conclusion and Contact Information

Heavy Lifting and Hypermobility with Nikki Naab-Levy

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Nikki Naab-Levy, a certified strength and nutrition coach with extensive experience in helping hypermobile individuals.
Nikki shares her personal journey with hypermobility and discusses the benefits of strength training for those with hypermobility syndromes. They explore the importance of understanding one's limits, the concept of rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and how to adjust training programs appropriately. The conversation also touches on the significance of proper nutrition and body autonomy. Listeners are provided with practical advice on how to approach strength training safely and effectively, even when dealing with chronic conditions.
Highlights of this episode include:
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Nikki Naab-Levy
01:29 Nikki's Personal Journey with Hypermobility
04:16 The Benefits of Strength Training for Hypermobile People
04:40 Understanding 'Heavy' in Strength Training
06:43 Approach to Strength Training for Hypermobile Individuals
15:53 Progressing in Strength Training
23:52 The Importance of Deloading
25:11 The Importance of Deload Weeks
25:45 Listening to Your Body's Cues
27:52 Adjusting Workouts for Hypermobility
31:39 Indicators for Slowing Down
32:13 Mental Strategies for Setbacks
37:11 Nutrition and Recovery for Hypermobility
40:30 The Role of Alignment and Load
46:41 Final Thoughts on Body Autonomy
48:32 Where to Find More Information

Understanding Hypermobile Bodies: Insights from Dr. Mamak Shakib

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley talks with Dr. Mamak Shakib, a chiropractic physician specializing in functional mobility, joint hypermobility, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Dr. Shakib shares her 30-year journey in treating hypermobile patients, emphasizing the importance of developmental kinesiology and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) for sustainable joint health and stability.
She discusses common issues faced by hypermobile individuals in traditional chiropractic and rehabilitation settings, the significance of tailored approaches, and the role of proper breathing techniques in maintaining functional stability. The episode sheds light on Dr. Shakib's unique methodologies and her advocacy for better communication and understanding between healthcare providers and patients with hypermobility syndromes.
 
Highlights of this episode include:
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Dr. Mamak Shakib
01:58 Discovering Hypermobility
07:23 Challenges in Traditional Rehabilitation
20:55 Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)
34:05 Breathing Techniques for Bendy People
45:45 Final Thoughts and Resources

Navigating Hypermobility and Fibromyalgia with Dr. Melissa Koehl

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Dr. Melissa Koehl to discuss her journey with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and how it has shaped her career in physical therapy.
Melissa shares her personal struggles with diagnosis, the importance of recognizing hypermobility in the context of fibromyalgia, and the intersection of these conditions with other systemic issues like dysautonomia and mast cell activation syndrome. She also discusses the significance of personalized exercise programs, gut health, and the holistic approaches necessary to manage these complex conditions effectively.
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Melissa Kahle: A Journey with Hypermobile EDS
01:40 Melissa's Personal and Professional Journey
03:35 The Diagnosis and Its Impact
06:19 Exploring Fibromyalgia and Hypermobility
06:48 Understanding Fibromyalgia: Diagnosis and Criteria
12:04 Treatment Approaches for Fibromyalgia
16:13 Exercise and Movement Strategies
22:35 Exploring Mast Cells and Fibromyalgia
24:28 The Gut Microbiome and Pain Connection
24:53 Personal Struggles with SIBO
29:20 Navigating Healthcare as a Hypermobile Human
31:59 Creating Resources for the Hypermobile Community
37:33 Final Thoughts and Resources

Bendy Brains: Hypermobility, Anxiety, and Neurodivergence with Dr. Jessica Eccles

In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Dr. Jessica Eccles, a prominent consultant psychiatrist and researcher, to discuss her personal and professional experiences with hypermobility syndromes. Dr. Eccles shares insights from her extensive research on the links between hypermobility, anxiety, neurodevelopmental conditions, and chronic health issues such as fibromyalgia and ME/CFS. She explains how differences in brain structure and function, along with abnormal autonomic nervous system responses, can affect those with hypermobility. Dr. Eccles also introduces a novel treatment approach, the ADAPT therapy, designed to reduce anxiety in hypermobile individuals. The conversation highlights the importance of proper diagnosis, medical education, and innovative therapeutic strategies for managing these complex conditions.
00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Dr. Jessica Echols
01:34 Dr. Echols' Personal Journey with Hypermobility
04:00 Discovering the Link Between Hypermobility and Anxiety
08:50 Exploring Brain Differences in Hypermobile Individuals
11:00 The Role of the Involuntary Nervous System
17:02 Novel Treatments and Future Research
21:05 Connections Between Hypermobility and Neurodivergence
35:45 Challenges and Future Directions in Medical Education
39:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Understanding Upper Cervical Instability with Taylor Goldberg

If you have a bendy neck, this one's for you! 
For this week's episode of Zebra Talks, Libby has a fascinating conversation with Taylor Goldberg, a chiropractor turned virtual hypermobility coach. Taylor shares a bit about her personal journey with hypermobility and her shift to a virtual coaching model, and then helps us understand all things upper cervical instability (UCI), including its causes, symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options. UCI affects a whole lot of people with hypermobility, but good news: the most severe cases requiring surgery are quite rare even among us bendy types. Whew! 
Taylor unpacks a lot of definitions such as distinguishing between hypermobility and instability (no, they're not the same thing!). She also covers lots of good info about safe exercise practices, and emphasizes why it's so important to avoid certain chiropractic adjustments. The episode also touches on yoga practices for hypermobile individuals and the significance of conservative care in managing UCI.Highlights of this episode include:00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks00:35 Meet Taylor Goldberg: Chiropractor to Hypermobility Coach01:49 Taylor's Personal Journey with Hypermobility03:40 Understanding Hypermobility and Instability06:11 Upper Cervical Instability: Symptoms and Diagnosis14:42 Managing Upper Cervical Instability19:01 Activities to Avoid and Chiropractic Cautions24:12 Challenges in Chiropractic and PT Training25:23 The Need for Comprehensive Connective Tissue Education27:02 Creating Realistic Expectations in Recovery27:49 Step-by-Step Recovery Process29:39 Exercise Categories and Proprioception33:46 Managing Upper Cervical Instability35:01 Yoga and Hypermobility39:11 Resources and Offerings for Hypermobility41:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Bendy Belly Trouble with Lisa Sherman

In this episode of Zebra Talks, Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Lisa Sherman, a licensed acupuncturist with expertise in functional medicine and molecular biology, to discuss digestive issues among people with hypermobility syndromes.
They delve into the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems like dysmotility, microbial dysbiosis, and structural droopiness that hypermobile individuals often face. Lisa offers insights on contributing factors such as the autonomic nervous system and mast cell activation, and shares practical advice for lifestyle changes, nutritional strategies, and supplements that can help manage these conditions. The episode highlights the importance of mindful eating, movement practices, and vagus nerve activation for improving gut health in hypermobile individuals.
 
Highlights of this episode include:
00:35 Meet Lisa Sherman: Expert on Bendy Bellies01:39 Understanding Digestive Issues in Hypermobile People02:56 Prevalence and Impact of GI Issues04:00 Common GI Conditions in the Bendy Population07:03 Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDS)08:54 The Role of the Nervous System in Digestion11:14 Hypermobile Gut and Hypomotility18:19 Testing and Treating Gut Motility Issues28:54 The Bendy, Itchy, and Dizzy Trifecta37:57 Understanding Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders39:24 Practical Tips for Gut Health43:44 The Importance of Protein and Collagen49:15 Navigating Histamine and FODMAPs56:47 Supplements and Prokinetics01:04:15 Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Lifestyle Changes01:08:53 Research and Future Directions01:10:25 Conclusion and Contact Information