Taylor Goldberg, a Chiropractor-turned Virtual Hypermobility Coach, shares her journey and insights about hypermobility and its health implications. She delves into the complexities of the condition and discusses how it relates to other health issues like MCAS. Taylor highlights the importance of tailored treatment approaches, emphasizing multidisciplinary care for hypermobile individuals. With practical self-care techniques and guidelines for safe movement, she offers valuable strategies for enhancing overall well-being and empowering those affected by hypermobility.
Hypermobility encompasses various types and can exist asymptomatically, highlighting the need for personal awareness in managing it effectively.
Coexisting conditions like MCAS and dysautonomia often accompany hypermobility, necessitating a thorough diagnostic approach for effective treatment.
Structured exercise and a personalized management plan are essential for enhancing stability and preventing deconditioning in hypermobile individuals.
Deep dives
Understanding Hypermobility
Hypermobility is characterized by joints that exceed the typical range of motion, and it can manifest in various forms. There are four primary types: peripheral hypermobility, localized hypermobility, historical hypermobility, and generalized joint hypermobility (GJH). GJH can be further categorized into asymptomatic and symptomatic types, with roughly 30% of individuals experiencing no associated issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing that while hypermobility is often linked to discomfort and conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), many individuals may have it without experiencing any symptoms.
The Spectrum of Hypermobility Disorders
The discussion highlights the diagnostic criteria for hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and EDS, underscoring that different forms impact patients variably. Patients typically go through a diagnostic process that involves assessing generalized joint hypermobility and other related symptoms. Certain comorbidities, such as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and dysautonomia, frequently accompany hypermobility disorders. Understanding these interconnected conditions is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and management plans for individuals living with these disorders.
The Role of Exercise and Movement
Exercise is emphasized as a vital component for managing hypermobility, with strength training identified as particularly beneficial. Properly structured exercise routines can help enhance stability and strength in hypermobile individuals, as their muscles often need to compensate for joint laxity. The conversation stresses the importance of avoiding overstretching and ensures individuals engage in movements that feel safe and manageable. Creating a personalized approach that balances physical activity with rest is vital to preventing deconditioning while addressing the unique needs of hypermobile individuals.
Managing Symptoms and Flares
Flares, or periods of heightened symptoms, require management strategies, including flare tracking to identify patterns and triggers effectively. The Guava app is introduced as a tool to help individuals log symptoms and discover warning signs, enabling proactive responses. It is emphasized that while avoiding triggers is ideal, having a flare toolkit prepared with coping strategies is essential for managing episodes when they occur. This proactive management improves confidence and empowers individuals to maintain their quality of life despite the challenges associated with hypermobility.
Building a Support System
Having a support team of healthcare professionals who understand hypermobility is crucial for effective management. Collaboration between various specialists—such as physical therapists, chiropractors, and nutritionists—can provide comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. The conversation also highlights the importance of educational resources aimed at clinicians to enhance their understanding of hypermobility and improve their ability to assist patients. By fostering greater awareness and knowledge within the healthcare community, individuals with hypermobility can receive more informed care tailored to their conditions.
In this episode, I am joined by Taylor Goldberg to discuss all things hypermobility. This is a diagnosis that I have seen in an increasing number of clients, so I’m excited to have Taylor on and educate more on the topic. We previously discussed hypermobility in the two MCAS episodes with Michelle Shapiro. I’ll link them below!
Taylor is a Chiropractor-turned Virtual Hypermobility Coach who helps people struggling with hypermobility (and related conditions) navigate the newness and unknowns of HSD/hEDS, enabling them to understand their body's unique needs and regain a fulfilling life. In addition to assisting clients with hypermobility, she recently launched a course aimed at helping clinicians better understand how to assist their hypermobile patients. Taylor possesses a unique perspective rooted in her education and personal experiences with hypermobility, which has driven her to initiate changes not only within the hypermobility community but also within the chiropractic field. She recently introduced a mentorship program called 'Clinical Concepts,' where they delve into the drawbacks of one-size-fits-all chiropractic practices and underscore the significance of an evidence-based approach to treatment and self-care.
This episode covers:
Taylor's journey from her background as a chiropractor to pivoting to be a hypermobility coach
What is hypermobility and it impacts our health
How MCAS impacts hypermobility
Taylor's approach to supporting individuals with hypermobility thrive, including tracking flares and lab testing
Advice for finding an exercise routine, including what to be careful with
Actionable tips to support your hypermobility daily