Zebra Talks: Living Your Best Bendy Life

Nutrition Foundations for Hypermobility with Jennifer Parkinson

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Jennifer Parkinson, a certified functional nutrition practitioner and founder of EDS Nutritionist, who supports people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, MCAS, and POTS.
 
Jennifer shares her long journey from early joint pain, repeated shoulder surgeries, gut and gynecologic surgeries, dizziness and brain fog, and eventual EDS diagnosis after years of dismissal, to pursuing functional nutrition training. She explains differences among nutrition professionals, emphasizing individualized, root-cause approaches rather than one-size-fits-all diets.
 
Key themes include stabilizing blood sugar, assessing mineral patterns, histamine “bucket” concepts, and iron dysregulation. She also highlights how mineral balance can impact pain, muscle-building, and subluxations alongside physical therapy.
 
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Jennifer Parkinson
01:50 Early Symptoms and Surgeries
03:50 Finally Naming EDS
06:09 Finding Functional Nutrition
09:35 Credentials and Training Paths
11:10 Nutrition Is Individual
12:48 Minerals Explained
15:04 Foundations Beyond Food
16:22 Sensitive Bodies and Normal Labs
17:55 Iron and Next Steps
18:00 Iron Testing Pitfalls
19:07 Iron Overload Clues
20:16 Liver Link to Iron
22:33 Liver Support Basics
23:36 Castor Oil Packs
24:46 Minerals and Blood Sugar
27:30 Protein and Meal Timing
29:22 Signs of Dysregulated Glucose
30:20 Minerals for Joint Stability
33:46 Whole Body Approach
34:17 Where to Find Jennifer
34:48 Final Wrap Up
 

Scoliosis and Hypermobility: Symptoms, Treatment, and Moving Without Fear with Dr. Laura Glazebrook

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes physical therapist Dr. Laura Glazebrook to discuss scoliosis, especially its overlap with hypermobility. Laura shares her own history of rapidly progressing scoliosis, undergoing a spinal fusion at age 11, and later realizing she likely falls on the hypermobility spectrum.
 
They review scoliosis prevalence in the general population, current thinking on adolescent development, and why Cobb angle doesn’t reliably predict pain. Glazebrook describes typical signs and symptoms and outlines scoliosis-specific exercise approaches like the Schroth method using breath, pressure management, and progressive stabilization. They discuss surgical thresholds (often >46°), evolving views on quality of life at higher angles, and counter fear-based messaging by emphasizing safe, individualized movement and strength. 
 
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Dr. Laura Glazebrook
02:04 Laura’s Scoliosis Story
04:12 Fusion Surgery Aftermath
04:56 How Common Is Scoliosis
06:14 Why Scoliosis Develops
07:58 Degrees vs Symptoms
09:46 Common Signs and Clues
12:02 Schroth Method Basics
14:48 What Improves With Therapy
16:17 When Surgery Is Considered
19:05 Fusion and Tethering Options
19:52 Hypermobility Overlap Patterns
22:05 Movement Fear and Confidence
25:08 Activity Myths Debunked
27:19 Where to Find Dr. Glazebrook
28:11 Final Thanks and Goodbye
 

Bendy Menopause: Impacts of Hypermobility on Menopause with Vanessa Weiland

 
Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes menopause specialist and nurse practitioner Vanessa Weiland, founder of Phases Clinic and creator of Bendy Menopause, who also has hypermobile EDS and MCAS.
 
Their conversation covers why hypermobility symptoms can shift with hormonal changes, how perimenopause is driven by fluctuating ovarian hormones, and why blood tests are often unhelpful in perimenopause except in specific situations. They discuss HRT in perimenopause, contraception considerations, benefits and risks of modern hormone therapy (including heart and bone health), and the possible role of testosterone. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of individualized symptom-based care, and notes nuances like MCAS sensitivity and progesterone intolerance.
 
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Vanessa Weiland
01:16 Her Menopause Journey
03:53 Discovering hEDS
05:00 Hypermobility Meets Menopause
07:25 Why Symptoms Shift
10:35 Defining Perimenopause
12:48 Do Hormone Tests Help
14:26 HRT in Perimenopause
15:56 Tracking and Advocacy Tips
18:23 HRT Risks and Benefits
21:38 Bones and Brain Fog
24:58 Testosterone Talk
28:25 Avoiding Misinformation
33:36 Progesterone Intolerance
35:15 Where to Find Vanessa
36:02 Final Thanks and Wrap Up
 

Abbey Phillipson on Visibility & Advocacy for Rare Types of EDS

 
Host Dr. Libby Hinsley interviews Abbey Phillipson, a classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) advocate and Paralympic strength and conditioning coach at the University of Michigan. Abbey shares her experience with early signs, diagnosis via genetics (COL5A1), and serious complications of Classical EDS.
 
She discusses why some rare EDS types may be diagnosed earlier yet still missed, de novo mutation rates, and definitions and prevalence of rare vs ultra-rare EDS types. Abbey describes founding the patient-led Collagen Advocacy Network to connect people with rare subtypes, critiques how growing EDS awareness can create misunderstanding of rare types, and proposes more nuanced naming to support individualized care amid anticipated 2026 criteria changes.
 
She also shares a bit about her inspiring work in adaptive sports and disability-inclusive fitness.
 
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Abbey Phillipson
01:59 Classical EDS Diagnosis Story
04:07 Symptoms and Complications
05:55 When Rare Types Get Diagnosed
07:46 De Novo Mutations Explained
08:42 Rare vs Ultra Rare Prevalence
11:51 Building a Rare Types Group
13:21 Making Rare Real Together
14:36 Awareness Boom and Erasure
19:21 A More Nuanced Future
22:54 Renaming and Reorganizing EDS
26:34 Criteria Changes and 2026
30:58 Collagen Advocacy Network
32:08 Paralympic Coaching and Adaptive Sport
34:34 Strength Training and Joyful Movement
35:48 Final Thanks and Goodbye

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Hypermobility with Dr. Amy Stein

 
Host Dr. Libby Hinsley interviews pelvic floor physical therapist and author Dr. Amy Stein, founder of Beyond Basics Physical Therapy. Stein discusses the strong overlap she sees between hypermobility and pelvic floor dysfunction (estimating about 70% of her patients), including patterns of pelvic floor gripping used for stability, pelvic pain, prolapse, hernias, constipation/IBS symptoms, possible pelvic congestion, and bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction across all genders.
 
She emphasizes a multimodal approach: calming tissues, building stability gradually with isometrics and deep core work, modifying exercise, and prioritizing nervous system regulation and mindfulness. Stein also addresses perimenopause/menopause and their effects on symptoms, tissue elasticity, muscle health, and the role of hormone therapy and topical creams. She describes her Wellness By Nature CBD products and advises seeking experienced pelvic floor PTs with thorough assessment.
 
Highlights of this episode include:
 
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Amy Stein
01:45 Hypermobility overlap
03:59 Amy’s bendy story
05:57 Common pelvic patterns
07:26 Multimodal treatment
09:47 Pelvic floor basics
12:07 Stability and exercise
15:35 Bowel and congestion
18:18 Perimenopause and hormones
22:48 Tissue changes and creams
24:18 CBD products explained
27:37 Lifestyle and whole body
31:27 Finding the right pelvic PT
33:40 Wrap up and resources

Hip Dysplasia, Micro-Instability, and Hypermobility with Dr. Ginger Garner

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes pelvic and orthopedic rehabilitation expert Dr. Ginger Garner to Zebra Talks to discuss hip pain in hypermobility syndromes, focusing on hip dysplasia, borderline dysplasia, and micro-instability, which commonly coexist with generalized joint hypermobility. Garner cites studies showing over two thirds—and up to 78% in one cohort—of patients with hip dysplasia meet hypermobility criteria, emphasizing screening beyond labral tears and FAI. She describes practical signs and stresses the value of weight-bearing x-rays, manual therapy, and self-treatment tools, and shares her background integrating yoga, public health, and lifestyle medicine.
 
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Dr Ginger Garner
02:28 Why Hips Matter
03:07 Dysplasia and Hypermobility
05:33 What Hip Dysplasia Is
07:00 Quick Screening Clues
10:36 Why Dysplasia Gets Missed
13:17 Stuck Tight Yet Unstable
15:40 Choosing the Right Surgeon
19:01 Imaging Red Flags
20:54 Treatment Phases Overview
22:39 Imaging the Glute Med
25:24 Trauma and Pelvic Floor Findings
26:40 Manual Therapy for Relief
27:46 Imaging Breakthrough
28:36 Manual Therapy Matters
29:54 Rant on Rehab Protocols
32:14 Self Treatment Tools
36:46 Surgery vs Rehab Choices
38:35 Hormones and Systemic Drivers
40:04 Origin Story and Yoga
47:36 Red Flags and Where to Find Help
49:40 Wrap Up and Next Episode
 

Hypermobility & Foot Pain with Kala Hildebrand

In this episode, Dr. Libby Hinsley hosts Zebra Talks and interviews physical therapist and massage therapist Kala Hildebrand about hypermobility and feet, including common presentations of chronic foot pain in bendy bodies and why issues aren’t limited to “floppy” overpronation. Kala discusses how long-standing pain often comes with fear, limited information, and habituated strategies like constant shoe use or lifelong orthotics without an exit plan, and emphasizes reassessing current reality rather than old stories. They explore the value of gradually reintroducing sensory input and progressing slowly toward functional strength, while considering whole-chain contributors from foot to hip and pelvis. 
 
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Kala Hildebrand
02:03 Dance and Hypermobility
04:13 Common Foot Pain Patterns
05:41 Chronic Pain Stories
09:03 Barefoot Tolerance Check
11:24 Feet Freedom Myth
13:56 Libby Foot Pain Journey
15:59 Whole Body Foot Clues
18:45 Hip Mobility Meets Feet
20:43 Pain Free Loading
21:26 Motor Control Lightbulbs
22:44 Compression vs Distraction
23:02 Force Transmission Chain
24:01 Isometrics for Foot Pain
25:33 Progressive Loading Mindset
28:16 Thriving Not Striving
29:29 Plantar Fasciitis Myths
30:58 Orthotics Exit Strategy
33:28 Intrinsic Foot Strength Plan
36:35 Resources and Wrap Up

Taming the Zebra: Tethered Cord and Cranio-Cervical Instability in Hypermobility with Heather Purdin

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes physical therapist and manual therapist Heather Purdin, co-author of “Taming the Zebra,” to discuss her book and her biopsychosocial approach to treating hypermobility syndromes. The conversation continues by highlighting tethered cord syndrome, its key features, imaging considerations, conservative/manual approaches, and surgical cautions. They also discuss cranio-cervical instability versus a hypermobile neck, the role of inflammation/MCAS, stabilization strategies, and referrals, and share where to find Purdin’s resources and courses.
 
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Heather Purdin
02:31 Becoming a Zebra Tamer
04:15 Why Write Taming the Zebra
06:52 What Volume Two Covers
09:56 Systemic Context for PT
11:36 Reader Feedback and Hope
12:29 Tethered Cord Explained
15:30 Symptoms and Screening Clues
17:28 Bladder Testing and Differentials
19:06 MCAS and Fascia Research
21:43 When to Refer and Imaging
23:46 Prone MRI Insights
24:36 Gentle Tethered Cord Relief
25:29 Alignment Triggers and Safety
27:52 CCI Versus Hypermobility
28:56 Symptoms and Muscle Retraining
32:05 Inflammation, MCAS, and Imaging
34:45 Stabilization Training Example
38:48 Posture Pelvis Ribcage Link
40:22 Neck Exercise Progressions
42:41 Mindset and Finding Providers
44:31 Resources and Wrap Up
 
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Taming the Zebra
Good Health Physical Therapy and Wellness
Follow Heather Purdin on Instagram @heather_purdinpt
Follow Taming the Zebra on Instagram @tamingthezebra
Follow Good Health Physical Therapy and Wellness on Instagram @goodhealthptpdx
Follow Good Health Physical Therapy and Wellness on Facebook
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Learn more about Dr. Libby Hinsley, How to Work with Her, or Join her Email List
Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt
Follow Libby Hinsley on Facebook
Leave a review on iTunes

Eating Disorders and Hypermobility: An Embodied Recovery Approach with Heidi Andersen

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Heidi Andersen, a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor and founder of Reclaiming Beauty, to discuss eating disorders and their overlap with hypermobility syndromes. Heidi describes shifting from traditional CBT/DBT-focused treatment toward Embodied Recovery for Eating Disorders, reframing disordered eating and chronic tension as adaptive responses shaped by nervous system regulation, sensory processing, trauma, attachment history, and underlying health issues, including hypermobility syndromes and related comorbidities.
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:41 Meet Heidi Andersen
02:45 From Burnout to Embodied Recovery
06:58 Hypermobility and Nourishment Clues
08:08 Why This Overlap Is Trending
11:07 Eating Disorder Definitions
15:41 Age of Onset and Diagnostic Confusion
18:16 Research on Anorexia and Hypermobility
21:23 Containment Safety and Proprioception
23:09 Strength Training Grounding
24:25 Developmental Movement Push
27:15 Reframing Restriction Wisdom
28:06 Autism Sensory Overlap
31:21 Treatment Window Tolerance
33:43 Medical Motility Referrals
34:55 Vagus Nerve Compression
38:07 Somatic Tools Boundaries
39:00 Directories Closing Resources
 
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Reclaiming Beauty
Follow Heidi Andersen at Reclaiming Beauty on Instagram @reclaimingbeauty
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Learn more about Dr. Libby Hinsley, How to Work with Her, or Join her Email List
Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt
Follow Libby Hinsley on Facebook
Leave a review on iTunes

POTS, MCAS, and Pelvic Venous Disease: Dr. Alexis Cutchins on the “Bendy, Itchy, and Dizzy” Trifecta

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes cardiologist Dr. Alexis Cutchins, who left Emory after 13 years to open a private practice in New York City with the goal of building a multidisciplinary center for hypermobility spectrum disorders. Dr. Cutchins describes how curiosity led her into treating patients with POTS, dysautonomia, long COVID, EDS, and MCAS, and explains that MCAS can both drive and be triggered by POTS physiology. She also explains pelvic venous disease/left iliac vein compression as a frequent contributor to pooling, reduced cerebral perfusion, and orthostatic symptoms, sometimes treated mechanically with venous stenting.
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks
00:35 Meet Dr Alexis Cutchins
02:13 Why She Focuses on POTS
04:24 Leaving Emory for NYC
05:09 Building a Center of Excellence
06:40 Hypermobility in POTS Patients
07:44 MCAS and Connective Tissue Link
08:35 How MCAS Worsens POTS
12:24 Treating MCAS Stepwise
14:56 Do POTS Subtypes Matter
16:30 Tilt Table Test Debate
19:07 Stigma Around POTS Diagnosis
20:04 Stigma And Awareness
20:27 Primary Care POTS Care
20:51 Heart Rate Reassurance
22:11 MCAS Symptom Overlap
23:55 Why Mast Cells Trigger
26:04 Pelvic Venous Disease
27:51 Iliac Compression Explained
31:14 Symptoms And Red Flags
33:19 Stents And Treatment
35:39 Where To Find Dr. Cutchins
36:34 Telehealth And Wrap
 
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:
Cutchins Cardiovascular Medicine
Follow Dr. Alexis Cutchins, MD on Instagram @drcutchins
Follow Dr. Alexis Cutchins, MD on YouTube @DrCutchins
 
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt
Follow Libby Hinsley on Facebook
Learn more about Libby Hinsley, How to Work with Her, or Join her Email List
Leave a review on iTunes