Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein

Artistic athletes like dancers, gymnasts, and skaters require highly skilled medical care in order to maintain peak health while operating at an elite level. Understanding the unique demands placed on their bodies is crucial for their physicians. And when the artist is competing as part of a team - say, as an Olympic skater or gymnast, or as a company dancer - the artist doesn’t always have the luxury of choosing their team doctor. Selina Shah, MD, has herself been a competitive swimmer and gymnast, as well as a professional salsa and Bollywood dancer. She’s served as team physician for both Team USA figure skating and artistic swimming, and sits down to talk with us about maintaining your health in a team setting. Dr. Shah looks at why hypermobility can be a tremendous asset in some athletic fields, and hugely problematic in others. She explores the process of natural selection for artistic athletes and the secret to success at the elite level. Looking at injuries that are common in hypermobile artistic athletes, Dr. Shah explains why it’s never too soon to address an issue. She discusses misconceptions about stubborn tendon problems in bendy bodies as well as what procedures to consider and which ones to avoid. Dr. Shah shares ways for hypermobile athletes to communicate with a team doctor and trainer about their specific needs, and how to advocate for yourself in a team setting.Finally, she opens up about what research she’d like to see for hypermobile artistic athletes in the future. To learn more about Dr. Shah, visit her website https://selinashah.com/. . . . . . #podcast #iceskating #gymnast #BendyBodies #artisticswimming #OlympicAthlete #hypermobileathlete #rhythmicgymnastics #bendy #HypermobilityMD #JenniferMilner #BodiesinMotion #BendyBodiesPodcast #HypermobilityDisorders #Hypermobility #HypermobilitySpectrum --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hypermobility disorders can be difficult to diagnose, with no one clear path forward. Without an obvious road to walk, people with chronic pain who suspect hypermobility disorders may feel defeated and overwhelmed, struggling to find the help they need.In this episode, Bendy Bodies founder Linda Bluestein, MD opens up about her own journey getting an EDS diagnosis and starting her work as a hypermobility specialist.Dr. Bluestein breaks down the different types of connective tissue disorders and how they might be diagnosed. She discusses reasons medical professionals might encourage someone to seek a diagnosis, and theorizes on why they might discourage it.She gives advice on where to start this journey, and discusses the importance of having even just one medical professional in your corner. As well, she suggests types of specialists who might have knowledge of connective tissue disorders, and outlines steps people can take to prepare for a doctor’s visit.Dr. Bluestein offers compassionate advice to people who hear “no” a lot, and cautions against confirmation bias. She busts some harmful myths around connective tissue diagnoses and reveals some of the pitfalls a person might encounter in their pursuit of a diagnosis.Full of advice from a medical expert in hypermobility, this is an episode for anyone feeling defeated or looking to confirm a diagnosis.#ButYouDontLookSick #ChronicPain #bendybodies #BendyBodiesPodcast #ehlersdanlossyndrome #ConnectiveTissue #ZebraStrong #collagen #diagnosis #physiciansofinstagram #EhlersDanlos #hypermobility  #hypermobilitymd #bodiesinmotion --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People struggling with a chronic illness often feel overwhelmed at the idea of pursuing a passion. Health issues may seem insurmountable when trying to go after your dream, and you may feel hopeless and alone on your journey.Camille Schrier, Miss America 2020, was diagnosed with Classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at age 11, at the same time she was discovering her love of nature and science. For her, a diagnosis helped her understand all the “crazy” things happening to her body and gave her comfort.Camille walks us through her diagnostic odyssey, explaining the signs of EDS she saw in herself and the twists and turns that came up along the way. She shares her journey to the Miss America title, and her concerns about serving as Miss America with a chronic illness.Camille discusses the importance of advocating for yourself and having providers who listen. She speaks honestly about her struggles with an eating disorder, her journey through mental health issues, and her fights with misdiagnoses.Sharing how her own struggles have made her more compassionate towards others, Camille describes how she is using her platform to spread her Social Impact Initiative, “Mind Your Meds - Drug Safety and Abuse Prevention From Pediatrics to Geriatrics.”You won't want to miss this inspiring interview. Learn more at https://www.camilleschrier.com/. .....#dysautonomia #ehlersdanlossyndrome #hypermobility #invisibleillness #hypermobilitymd #balletwhisperer #zebra #ehlersdanlos #zebrastrong #spoonie #chronicillness #chronicpain #camilleshrier #missamerica #JenniferMilnerIf you are able to share the resized image, it is much appreciated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is overstretching, and why should we talk about it?As the artistic world seems to demand ever more extreme ranges of motion from its dancers and athletes, many people turn to overstretching  as a way to stay competitive, forcing an artificial hypermobility in some joints.Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Bendy Bodies’ own Jennifer Milner, NCPT, on the subject of overstretching and forced hypermobility. Jennifer discusses why a joint might be hypermobile, and what issues she sees in the hypermobile population versus the non-hypermobile population.Jennifer explores overstretching, how it affects the body, and some issues that may arise because of it. She explains the difference between dynamic and static stretching, and when each type may be appropriate.Jennifer looks at the practice of overstretching in dance studios and shares alternatives to overstretching for achieving flexibility in a healthy way.Finally, Jennifer offers suggestions on how to find resources to help you increase your flexibility safely, both online and in person, and confides what she wishes every dancer knew about flexibility.Whether you are an artist, a parent, a studio owner, or a health practitioner, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Full of helpful advice and practical tips!#flexibility #flexible #ballet #ballerina #stretching #stretch #pointe #splits #pointeshoes #bendy #balletdancer #gymnast #gymnastics #instadance #instaballet #backbend #worldwideballet #dancer #contortion #poledance #oversplits #overstretching #split #acrobatics #zebra #hypermobilitymd #bendybodies #JenniferMilner #balletwhisperer  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artistic athletes often push their flexibility to the limit, both for competitive and aesthetic reasons.   Nowhere are limits tested more than in rhythmic gymnastics where hypermobility tends to be the norm.Vita Bachman, former international Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast and now a highly respected coach, speaks openly with Bendy Bodies about her experience in the world of rhythmic gymnastics, both as an athlete and as a coach.Vita discusses how the sport has changed since she competed, and what factors influence how she coaches today.  She discusses the pitfall in “chasing the points” of competitive rhythmic gymnastics, and why she continually seeks out the best methods for training her students even when these methods differ from what she was taught as a competitor.Living with her own career-related medical problems, Vita strives to be a coach that trains competitive but healthy athletes, both physically and mentally. She shares the hopes she has for the future of rhythmic gymnastics, as well as the hurdles she finds in trying to change certain aspects. She discusses her concerns with social media, confides what she’d like parents to know when shepherding their children through extreme stretching, and shares her own approach to training flexibility in a long-term, healthier wayA rare, inside look at one of the most demanding sports for bendy bodies out there!#rhythmicgymnastics #rhythmicgymnasts #vitabachman #beyondlimitsrg #hypermobility #overstretching #bodiesinmotion #hypermobilitymd #jennifermilner #oversplits #safestretching #bendybodies #bendybodiespodcast #hypermobileHer website is www.beyondlimitsrg.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chronic illness can make your life feel filled with insurmountable obstacles. Pursuing your dreams, even in the face of health issues, may feel hopeless. But moving forward, even in small increments, you can accomplish great things.Just ask gold medalist Allysa Seely.Allysa grew up as a dancer and competitive athlete before health issues tried to sideline her. She spent three years advocating for herself as a teen and young adult, fighting to be listened to, before finally being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Chiari Malformation, Basilar Invagination, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and more.Allysa refused to let her diagnoses define her, and has become a two-time gold-medal winning paratriathlete at the 2016 and 2020 Paralympics. She shares how she’s been able to compete at such a high level with multiple chronic illnesses, and opens up about her hard journey in college to get a diagnosis.Allysa confides that she used all her “you can’t”s as fuel to move her forward in pursuit of her dream. She discusses her difficult decision about her amputation, and shares her tips for getting through hard days.Allysa’s story, and how she turned challenge into triumph in her life, is inspiring and encouraging for everyone living with chronic illness. As Allysa shows, there really are no limits. An inspiring and encouraging interview for anyone struggling with limitations or hardship.#TriAllysa #paraolympics #USAparatriathalon #triathalon #paratriathlete #amputation #EhlersDanlossyndromes #EhlersDanlos #ChiariMalformation #Chiari #POTS  #bendybodies #bendybodiespodcast #hypermobilitymd #JenniferMilner --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating medical care can be a daunting task at the best of times, but when you have a chronic disorder that is largely an invisible illness, you may find yourself bewildered and frustrated trying to get the care you need. Often, a diagnosis like Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorder can come with co-morbidities such as POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome), MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament syndrome), MCAS (Mast Cell Activation syndrome), and more.And with multiple diagnoses comes multiple doctors’ visits.Bendy Bodies chats with our own wellness ambassador, Aidan Leslie, a retired dancer who has been living with an hEDS diagnosis for the past five years and spending her fair share of time in doctors’ offices.Aidan opens up about the bumpy road of her own health journey. She talks about hitting the “EDS wall” and fighting to take control of her life back. Aidan speaks frankly about her experience navigating the medical world, both as a minor and as someone with an invisible illness.  Aidan offers tips on how to prepare for medical appointments and suggestions for “how to push back against the push-back”.And just as Aidan is willing to share her side of the medical experience, Bendy Bodies founder Dr. Linda Bluestein joins in to give advice from her side of the stethoscope.Dr. Bluestein describes a medical one-sheet and how to build one for your medical care, and shares what she wants teen patients specifically to know about advocating for your own health. Dr. Bluestein discusses options you might have if you feel unseen or unheard in an appointment, and suggests ways to connect with a doctor during an appointment.Filled with excellent insight from both sides of the prescription pad, this episode is one you’ll want to listen to with a notepad handy.#spoonie #chronicillness #ehlersdanlossyndrome #ehlersdanlos #hypermobility #chronicpain #pots #heds #ehlersdanlossyndromes #mcas #invisibleillness #hypermobilitysyndrome  #hypermobilityspectrumdisorders  #zebrastrong  #bendybodies #BendyBodiesPodcast #JenniferMilner #balletwhisperer #hypermobilitymd --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly is dry needling? How is it different from acupuncture? What sort of issues might it be used for?Dry needling can be a vital part of an artistic athlete’s healthcare, but sometimes can be misunderstood. Mandy Blackmon, DPT, head physical therapist for Atlanta Ballet's company dancers also serves as an instructor in the Dry Needling Series for Myopain Seminars since 2014.Mandy explains why she considers dry needling to be a highly effective tool for treating the hypermobile population, and how people with hypermobility can react differently to dry needling. She offers advice on where to start when faced with people with multi-systemic issues, and reveals why dry needling is like rebooting a computer!Mandy tells us how to find a dry-needling practitioner, and what information to share with that professional, as well as outlining situations where dry needling might not be appropriate.Whether you’re new to dry needling or use it as a regular part of your health maintenance toolbox, there’s a lot to learn from this excellent discussion.To learn more about Dr. Blackmon and Myopain Seminars:https://www.mandydancept.com/https://www.atlantadancemedicine.com/https://www.myopainseminars.com/resources/blog/••••#dryneedling #dancemedicine #hypermobility #hypermobile #dancephysicaltherapy #chronicpain #ehlersdanlossyndrome #fibromyalgia #ehlersdanlos  #heds #hypermobility #zebrastrong #BendyBodies #zebra #chronicpainwarrior #JenniferMilner #balletwhisperer  #hypermobilityMD #BendyBodiesPodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mast cells: interesting and mysterious. You can’t be born without them, but they don’t show up in blood tests. They’re found throughout the body and can affect multiple systems in vastly different ways. What makes them misbehave?We spoke with renowned Allergy and Immunology physician, Anne Maitland, MD, about the role of mast cells in the body, what happens when they go “off script”, and what we can do about it.Dr. Maitland explains that mast cells are necessary for recognizing and healing tissue injury, and make a decision on how to react. But what if your mast cells perceive the situation incorrectly? What if they perceive a five-alarm fire when it’s just an overcooked, smoky dinner? The mast cells react disproportionately to the perceived threat, and the over-reaction manifests itself throughout the body.She discusses how misbehaving mast cells manifest differently in different systems; she talks through examples of mast cell disorders; and she lists three questions to ask yourself as you try to figure out: are your mast cells misbehaving?Dr. Maitland describes the challenges people with mast cell disorders face in getting properly diagnosed and treated, and outlines her approach to treating mast cell disorders.  And finally, Dr. Maitland likens the hypermobile patient to a Maserati, and explains why proper maintenance is important sooner rather than later.A deep dive into all things mast cell-related, this episode is full of wisdom you won’t want to miss!Visit these links for more information about the books mentioned by Dr. Maitland.https://hiddenstripes.com/https://originwellnesscolorado.com/passport#Mastcellactivationsyndrome #Mastcellactivationdisorder #Mastcelldisease #MastCell #Hypermobilityspectrumdisorder #Hypermobilityspectrumdisorders #Ehlersdanlossyndromes #Doublejointed #heds  #ehlersdanlosawareness #BendyBodies  #hypermobilityMD #BendyBodiesPodcast #JenniferMilnerFor more information about Dr. Maitland, visit https://clinicalparadigms.com/ or https://chiarinsc.com/patient/For more information about Dr. Linda Bluestein, visit https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/For more information about Jennifer Milner, visit https://www.jennifer-milner.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bendy-bodies/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you suffering from gastrointestinal distress? People with hypermobility disorders have a higher prevalence of GI problems than the general population. Dr. Leonard Weinstock, board-certified gastroenterologist with expertise in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and related disorders, sits down with Bendy Bodies to discuss this very topic. Dr. Weinstock discusses the “unhappy triad" of EDS, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and how MCAS may actually be at the heart of EDS. He lists ways to be evaluated for GI disorders and speculates that 10-17% of the general population may have undiagnosed MCAS. He stresses the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment and thinking outside the box. We look at gastroparesis and small bowel intestinal overgrowth (SIBO) and their links to hEDS and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD), and Dr. Weinstock outlines the prevalence of median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) in people with MCAS or POTS. He elaborates on his prescribing practices with low-dose naltrexone (LDN) to help increase endorphin production and reduce inflammation, and lists vitamins and diet changes that can be effective in people with MCAS. As one of the authors of "Covid-19 hyperinflammation and post-Covid-19 illness may be rooted in mast cell activation syndrome", Dr. Weinstock discusses the possible link between long-COVID 19 illness and MCAS. And finally, he shares suggestions on what to do if you’re having difficulty finding a GI specialist who understands complicated disorders like EDS and MCAS. For anyone dealing with GI issues, as well as physicians looking to understand the connection between hypermobility and GI disorders, this is a timely and important podcast. https://www.gidoctor.net/provider/leonard-weinstock-md https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32328892/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32920235/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338327834_Perioperative_Care_in_Patients_with_Ehlers_Danlos_Syndromes #Podcast #LeonardWeinstockMD #GIdisorders #EDS #zebrastrong #MCAS #MALS #POTS #SIBO #hEDS #autoimmunedisorders #BendyBodies #BendyBodiespodcast #hypermobilitymd #lindabluesteinmd #jennifermilner #bodiesinmotion #balletwhisperer #hypermobility #mastcelldisease #mastcelldisorder #EhlersDanlos #EDSAwarenessMonth  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices