
Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein
Whether you’re bendy with all the benefits or hurting in all the wrong places, you’ve come to the right place for all things hypermobility. Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are often dismissed or overlooked by healthcare providers as a cause of chronic pain. But if you or someone you care about struggles with the life-altering symptoms of hypermobility, you should know YOU ARE NOT ALONE! At the Bendy Bodies Podcast, we understand.Each week, join Dr. Linda Bluestein (The Hypermobility MD) as she pulls back the curtain on how to prevent injury and unnecessary suffering in “double-jointed” individuals seeking a more comfortable life in their unique, complex “bendy bodies.” When you tune in, you’re engaging in more than a podcast. Both on-air and online, you’re joining a supportive community where patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals trade insights, life hacks, and inspiring stories to embrace our Bendy Bodies journey together!
Latest episodes

21 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 1h 17min
Connective Tissue Disorders and Lipedema with Karen Herbst, MD (Ep 104)
Dr. Karen Herbst, a leading expert on lipedema and connective tissue diseases, discusses the misdiagnosis of lipedema, often confused with obesity. She explains how hormonal changes impact the condition and highlights the role of inflammation and fibrosis in symptom severity. The conversation covers diet, supplements, and the benefits of intermittent fasting for managing lipedema. Dr. Herbst also shares insights on surgical and non-surgical treatment options, including the significance of customized approaches and the use of compression garments.

Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 1min
Linking Mast Cell Activation, Autoimmunity, and EDS with Kara Wada, MD (Ep 103)
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, delves into the intricate connections between the immune system and hypermobility disorders with Dr. Kara Wada. A quadruple board-certified physician and Sjogren's patient, Dr. Wada shares her expertise on mast cell activation syndrome, autoimmunity, and the role of inflammation. Discover holistic approaches to managing these conditions and gain valuable insights into the latest research and treatments. Don't miss the special hypermobility hacks at the end!Takeaways:Interplay Between Immune System and EDS: The immune system plays a significant role in hypermobility disorders, with conditions like mast cell activation syndrome and autoimmunity frequently seen in patients with EDS.Differences in Allergy and Mast Cell Activation: Allergy involves the immune system's memory of proteins, whereas mast cell activation syndrome can be triggered by various factors, often without the presence of traditional allergies.Inflammation's Role in Chronic Conditions: Chronic inflammation is a core issue in many modern diseases, including EDS and autoimmune disorders. It's the body's prolonged response to injury or infection that can lead to various health issues.Impact of Hormones: Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, significantly influence immune system functioning and can affect conditions like POTS, often seen in EDS patients.Holistic and Lifestyle Approaches: Managing EDS and related conditions can benefit from holistic approaches, including anti-inflammatory diets, regular movement, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques such as meditation and journaling.Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. This episode is sponsored by EDS Guardians. If you want to learn more, check them out here: https://www.edsguardians.org/ Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.🎧Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.comPodcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.comYOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓Learn about Kara Wada:Website: https://www.drkarawada.com/Instagram: @immuneconfidentmdYoutube: @drkarawadaKeep up to date with the HypermobilityMD:YouTube: youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcastTwitter: twitter.com/BluesteinLindaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymdFacebook: facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcastBlog: hypermobilitymd.com/blogPart of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 6min
Examining The Future of EDS Diagnosis and Care with EDS Society CEO Lara Bloom (Ep 102)
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, hosts a captivating conversation with Lara Bloom, President and CEO of the Ehlers-Danlos Society. Lara shares her journey in advocating for rare diseases, the progress made in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and the upcoming updates in diagnostic criteria. Tune in to learn about the challenges, successes, and future directions in EDS research and patient care.Takeaways:Global Progress: The Ehlers-Danlos Society has significantly advanced global awareness and research on EDS and HSD.Diagnosis Challenges: Misdiagnosis and lack of understanding among doctors persist; re-education efforts are ongoing.Bloom's Journey: Lara Bloom's path from volunteer to CEO highlights the impact of lived experience in advocacy.Diagnostic Criteria Update: The 2017 criteria for hypermobile EDS will be revisited by 2026, involving extensive research and collaboration.Movement and Self-Care: Regular physical activity is crucial for managing EDS and HSD symptoms, as emphasized by both Bloom and Bluestein.Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. This episode is sponsored by EDS Guardians. If you want to learn more, check them out here: https://www.edsguardians.org/ Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.🎧Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.comPodcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.comYOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓Learn about Lara Bloom:Website: https://www.larabloom.com/Twitter: @larabloomInstagram: @lara.bloomYoutube: @LaraBloomKeep up to date with the HypermobilityMD:YouTube: youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcastTwitter: twitter.com/BluesteinLindaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymdFacebook: facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcastBlog: hypermobilitymd.com/blogPart of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 13, 2024 • 7min
Season 4 Wrap: Reading Your Comments
Welcome back, every Bendy Body! In this special episode, I wrap up season four and share exciting plans for season five. Join me as I reflect on our journey, from focusing on high-risk populations like dancers and gymnasts to diving deep into medical topics. Listen in for gratitude-filled shoutouts from our wonderful listeners as I read their heartwarming reviews! See you soon for Season 5!Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them..🎧Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 1min
Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Chronic Illness with Ashok Gupta (Ep 101)
In this conversation, Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Ashok Gupta about his experience breaking the vicious cycle of chronic illness when he had ME-CFS. They discuss the impact of chronic conditions, the brain's priority of survival, and the vicious cycle of symptoms. Ashok explains the Gupta Program, which aims to make patients aware of subtle danger signals in the brain and retrain the brain's response. They also explore the concept of neuroimmune conditioned syndromes and address common myths about brain retraining. With a focus on hypermobility, they discuss the time commitment required to see results, different ways to engage with the program, the importance of somatic retraining and its impact on brain structures, and how clinicians can recommend brain retraining to their patients without sounding like gaslighting. They also explore the duration of the program, potential worsening during the program, and the accessibility and cost of the program. The conversation ends with a discussion on the power of neuroplasticity and a hypermobility hack to make friends with your body.Takeaways
Chronic conditions often accompany joint hypermobility and can have a significant impact on individuals and the global economy.
Brain retraining involves making patients aware of subtle danger signals in the brain and retraining the brain's response.
The brain's priority is survival, which can lead to maladaptive responses and chronic illness.
The Gupta program has shown promising results in improving symptoms and overall health in various conditions. Brain retraining requires a time commitment of at least 20 to 30 minutes a day, along with short exercises throughout the day.
An independent audit looked at 16 different conditions for three months. They found improvement of 84% with Long COVID, 116% with Lyme disease, 67% with mold illness, and 85% with chemical sensitivities
Clinicians can recommend brain retraining by emphasizing that it is not in the mind but in the brain, and that the brain is triggering the immune and nervous systems.
The program is a minimum six-month commitment, but some people may continue for longer to maintain their progress and manage stress levels.
Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them..🎧Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓Resources: Neuroplasticity Intervention, Amygdala and Insula Retraining (AIR), Significantly Improves Overall Health and Functioning Across Various Chronic Conditionshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38404605/Mindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled TrialMindfulness-Based Program Plus Amygdala and Insula Retraining (MAIR) for the Treatment of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilothttps://www.guptaprogram.com/https://www.youtube.com/@GuptaProgram#MECSF #GuptaProgram #BrainRetraining #ChronicIllness #Hypermobility #ZebraStrong #ZebraWarriors #Neuroplasticity #ChemicalSensitivity #LongCOVID #LymeDisease #MoldIllness #MindBodyConnection #HypermobilityHacks #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBodies #MedicalPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30, 2024 • 1h 20min
Milestones and Reflections: 100 Episodes of Bendy Bodies with Linda Bluestein, MD
Dr. Linda Bluestein celebrates 100 episodes of Bendy Bodies discussing the most rewarding part of hosting the podcast and the challenges of podcasting. She emphasizes the importance of balancing the complexity of EDS and the need for healthcare professionals to understand and empathize with the struggles of patients with hypermobility conditions. Dr. Bluestein discusses the symptom burden experienced by individuals with EDS and the challenges they face in getting their symptoms understood and validated by healthcare professionals. She shares her approach to treatment as well as the top three concerns among EDS patients. Dr. Linda Bluestein and guest host Kate Colbert discuss the importance of effective communication between doctors and patients, and the need for healthcare professionals to understand the patient's perspective. Dr. Bluestein shares her goals for the Bendy Bodies podcast and they end with a hypermobility hack for traveling with EDS.Takeaways
Healthcare professionals should strive to understand and empathize with the struggles of patients with hypermobility conditions and recognize their heroic efforts in managing their symptoms.
Offering the correct dose of hope is difficult, as it is important to be responsible and not oversimplify the complexities of hypermobility conditions.
Individuals with EDS often experience a high symptom burden, including pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Getting symptoms understood and validated by healthcare professionals can be challenging for EDS patients.
Empathy and understanding from both patients and doctors are crucial in managing EDS symptoms.
Treatment approaches for EDS are discussed.
Effective communication between doctors and patients is essential for better care. Patients can learn how to communicate better and doctors can understand how patients think.
The Bendy Bodies podcast aims to improve care for people with symptomatic joint hypermobility, educate healthcare professionals, and support nonprofit organizations.
Patients, caregivers, advocates, and medical professionals can contribute to the EDS community by representing it well, sharing their stories, and spreading awareness about the podcast.
Chapters ➡00:00 Introduction and Celebration of 100 Episodes25:52 Understanding and Empathizing with Patients' Struggles36:40 The Top Three Concerns Among EDS Patients41:20 The Most Effective Treatment Approaches for EDS44:23 The Role of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)52:12 How an EDS Doctor can Facilitate a Patient's Healthcare Team01:03:16 The Future and Goals of the Bendy Bodies Podcast: Improving Care and Spreading Awareness1:05:21 Improving Quality of Care for Everyone01:14:05 Hypermobility Hack: Packing Heavy and Lightening the Burden on Your BodyConnect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them..🎧Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓Resources: https://journals.lww.com/topicsinpainmanagement/citation/2023/04000/hope_for_hypermobility__part_2_an_integrative.1.aspxhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161589014000546https://www.edsguardians.org/#MedicalPodcast #PatientAdvocacy #EDSAwarenessMonth #EDSAwareness #DoctorPatientCommunication #HSD #MCAS #ChronicIllness #EmpathyInMedicine #HealthcareInsights #Hypermobility #ZebraStrong #ZebraWarriors #hEDS #HypermobileEhlersDanlosSyndrome #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBodies #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD #100thEpisode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 23, 2024 • 60min
From News Anchor to Advocate: A POTS and EDS Journey with Summer Dashe (Ep 99)
Summer Dashe, a former news anchor and advocate for the chronically ill, shares her POTS and EDS journey. She covers how she manages her symptoms in everyday life and the challenges of getting diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). #dysautonomia #ChronicIllness #POTSAwareness Takeaways
Getting a POTS diagnosis can be challenging, and it often takes multiple visits to different doctors before receiving a proper diagnosis.
Awareness about POTS among doctors has improved over the years, but there is still a need for more education and understanding.
Finding supportive coworkers and a job that accommodates your symptoms is crucial for managing a chronic illness in the workplace.
Open and honest communication is key when asking for accommodations, and providing informed reasoning behind the request can help employers understand the need.
Remote work has opened up opportunities for individuals with chronic illnesses, allowing them to work in a way that suits their symptoms and abilities.
Managing the unpredictability of POTS requires self-compassion and finding strategies that work for you, even if it may not always feel graceful. Know your limits and make decisions based on your boundaries to remain reliable in work and personal life.
Accepting a lifelong condition can be challenging, but it allows for a more realistic approach to treatment.
Genetic research and advancements in technology provide hope for future awareness, treatment, and potentially a cure.
It's important to be honest and transparent about the realities of chronic illnesses to better prepare patients for their journey. Technology played a crucial role in Summer's car accident, with her Apple Watch automatically calling 911 and alerting her emergency contacts.
The support and care from family, friends, and coworkers were instrumental in helping Summer through the aftermath of the accident.
Summer's experience highlights the importance of valuing oneself and advocating for accommodations in the workplace and she shares her favorite hypermobility hack.
Chapters ➡00:00 Introduction and Background08:01 Supportive Coworkers and Accommodations16:01 Benefits of Remote Work32:09 The Impact of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome on Treatment Approach42:25 Hope for the Future: Advances in Awareness, Treatment, and Cure49:39 The Role of Technology in a Car Accident56:11 The Support System: Family, Friends, and Coworkers01:06:31 Valuing Oneself and Advocating in the WorkplaceConnect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them..🎧Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓Resources: Learn more about Summer Dashehttps://www.summerdashe.com/#SummerDashe #dysautonomia #ChronicIllness #POTsie #POTSAwareness #ZebraWarriors #ZebraStrong #POTS #EhlersDanlos #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 16, 2024 • 1h 17min
Environmental Triggers of Mast Cell Disease with Tania Dempsey, MD (Ep 98)
SummaryDr. Tania Dempsey discusses mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) with a focus on environmental triggers of mast cell disease. Takeaways
Infections can trigger mast cell reactions and people with MCAS may react differently than those without.
Identifying and addressing environmental triggers, such as mold and plastics, is important in managing MCAS.
Immunotherapy for allergies and asthma may impact MCAS symptoms.
Treatment options like Xolair (Omalizumab), ketotifen, cromolyn, and low dose naltrexone (LDN) are discussed.
Nutrition, particularly protein intake, supports overall health and affects MCAS symptoms.
Fish can be a good source of protein, but it is important to be aware of mercury levels and choose smaller fish.
Testing mercury levels can help identify potential toxicity and guide treatment.
Antihistamines can be beneficial for managing MCAS symptoms and should not be feared.
Individuals with MCAS may have sensitivities to scents, environmental triggers, and EMFs.
Finding healthcare providers who understand and can effectively treat MCAS is crucial.
Chapters ➡00:00 Introduction to MCAS and Dr. Tanya Dempsey02:28 Infections and MCAS14:31 Immune Deficiency and Infections28:37 Environmental Triggers37:00 Air Purification and Food Quality42:01 Quality of Meat vs. Pesticide-Free Vegetables43:11 Fish as an Alternative to Meat44:32 Toxins in Fish and Mercury Levels46:02 Detoxing Mercury and Sushi Concerns47:08 Reactions to Sushi and Scombroid Food Poisoning48:43 Sensitivity to Scents and Environmental Triggers49:30 Long-Term Antihistamine Use and Dementia52:21 Reactions to Laundry and Facial Products56:23 Treatment Options after Failing Xolair57:12 Food Dyes and MCAS58:18 EMFs and MCAS59:22 Why Some Doctors Fail to Believe in MCAS01:03:41 Immunotherapy for Allergies and MCAS01:04:56 Managing Heat, Sun, and Exercise Triggers01:09:54 Diagnosing MCAS and Lab Testing Challenges01:11:20 Final Thoughts and Finding AnswersConnect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.🎧Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓Resources:Learn about Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD:Website: https://www.drtaniadempsey.com/Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/drtaniadempseyInstagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/drtaniadempseymd/Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/taniadempseymd/Linkedin Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-dempsey-m-d-82834a44Mast Cell Matters Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mast-cell-matters-deep-dives-on-mcas-with-tania/id1717106678Article: Learned Cautions Regarding Antibody Testing in MCAS https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37566881/Article: Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global "consensus-2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32324159/Article: Molecular Mechanisms of Scombroid Food Poisoninghttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36614252/Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT) as a Potential Treatment for Viral Infections and Lyme Disease: Preliminary Resultshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36412742/Efficacy of Double-Dose Dapsone Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and Associated Co-infections: A Report of Three Cases and Retrospective Chart Reviewhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7690415/#MCAS #MastCell #MastCellActivationSyndrome #MastCellActivationDisorder #MastCellDisease #EDSAwarenessMonth #HSDAwarenessMonth#Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #BendyBodies #HypermobilityMD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 9, 2024 • 1h 6min
Learning to Spot the Signs of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes with Guest Host, Kate Colbert (Ep 97)
In this special “EDS Awareness Month” episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, founder Dr. Linda Bluestein and guest host Kate Colbert discuss how everyone can learn to spot the signs ofEhlers-Danlos Syndromes.Dr. Bluestein emphasizes the importance of EDS awareness, as many people are still not getting the evaluations and care they need. She also debunks several myths about EDS, including the misconception that EDS does not cause pain and that only geneticists can diagnose it. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and appropriate treatment for better patient outcomes. They cover the importance of understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), the challenges faced by individuals with EDS in their relationships, and how to communicate with romantic partners and family members. Colbert and Dr. Bluestein also discuss the impact of EDS in the workplace and provide tips for employers and coworkers to support individuals with EDS. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness, empathy, and support for individuals with EDS and other poorly recognized conditions.Takeaways
EDS Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate and spread awareness about Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and associated conditions.
Healthcare professionals should listen to their patients and believe them, even if a clear diagnosis is not yet established.
Teachers, daycare providers, and nannies can play a crucial role in identifying hypermobility conditions in children.
Coaches and athletic instructors should be aware of the signs of EDS in athletes and dancers and provide resources for further evaluation and support.
Several myths about EDS, such as the misconception that EDS does not cause pain and that only geneticists can diagnose it, should be debunked.
Early intervention and appropriate treatment are crucial for better patient outcomes.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is an important condition to consider in individuals with environmental sensitivities, even if their tryptase levels are not elevated.
Understanding and empathy are crucial in relationships where a partner has EDS or HSD, as the condition can cause dynamic disability and varying needs.
Communication is key in relationships, and using mirroring techniques and talking boundaries can help improve understanding and compassion.
Employers and coworkers should show support and offer accommodations to individuals with EDS, such as checking in with them, providing grace, and making the workplace more accessible.
Increasing awareness about EDS and related conditions is essential to foster empathy, support, and better partnerships in healthcare, workplaces, and society.
Chapters ➡00:00 Introduction and EDS Awareness Month09:30 Identifying Hypermobility Conditions in Children31:06 Early Intervention and Appropriate Treatment42:04 Supporting Individuals with EDS in the Workplace54:59 The Importance of Awareness and Empathy for EDS and Related ConditionsConnect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.🎧Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓Resources:https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/https://iadms.org/https://www.edsguardians.org/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10328215/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34524722/#EDSAwarenessMonth #EDSAwareness #EhlersDanlosMyths #HSD #MCAS #Hypermobility #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 25, 2024 • 44min
Coping with Dance Injuries and Career Transitions with Chelsea Pierotti, PhD and Guest Cohost, Jennifer Milner (Ep 96)
In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Pierotti discusses coping with dance injuries and transitions, both from a physical and psychological perspective. She explains that the way dancers appraise their injuries and their emotional response to them can greatly impact their coping mechanisms. Dr. Pierotti emphasizes the importance of shifting the mindset from seeing an injury as a disaster to viewing it as a challenge that can be overcome. She also highlights the role of social support in the recovery process and the need for dancers to define success in ways that are within their control. Additionally, Dr. Pierotti addresses the challenges dancers face when transitioning between different forms of dance or when they have to give up dancing altogether. When transitioning out of dance, it is important to consider your values and what truly matters to you in life. This will help guide your future goals and decisions. It is also helpful to reflect on who you admire and what you admire about them, as this can highlight your own values. Grief and loss are common when leaving a dance career, and it is important to acknowledge and process these emotions. The dance world can be more supportive by adopting a positive coaching approach and focusing on the whole athlete, not just their performance. Developing mental skills and self-awareness is crucial for dancers and can be beneficial for everyone.Chapters ➡00:00 Introduction00:54 Introducing Dr. Chelsea Pierotti01:13 Coping with Injuries03:38 Coping Mechanisms06:34 The Influence of Childhood Experiences08:29 Developing Resilience09:48 Transitioning from Dance12:11 The Role of Pain13:09 Challenges Faced by Hypermobile Dancers13:23 Supporting Dancers through Challenges17:49 The Importance of Social Support18:43 Grief and Loss of a Dance Career20:34 Developing Resilience and Coping Strategies24:57 The Importance of Values27:52 Shifting the Dance Culture29:25 Coping with Career Shifts33:22 Positive Coaching Approach35:55 Developing Mental Skills36:51 Applying Mental Skills to Life37:24 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Dance38:25 Mindset: Controlling the ControllablesConnect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.🎧Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓Learn about Dr. Pierotti:https://chelseapierotti.comhttps://instagram.com/dr.chelsea.pierotti #Dancers #Dance #Injuries #Transitions #Grief #MentalSkills #Hypermobility #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices