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

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