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Too many diagnoses. Too many opinions. Too many tabs open. Not enough clarity. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), POTS, MCAS, chronic pain, or other complex health issues, you're not alone. In this episode of Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by physician assistant Rebecca Gluck, PA-C, who brings specialized genetics experience from working alongside Dr. Clair Francomano and serves on the Ehlers-Danlos Society's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board and Road to 2026 Research Committee. Together, they discuss how patients and families can move from information overload to a clearer, more practical plan. They explore how to evaluate online communities, AI tools, direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and conflicting medical opinions without becoming even more overwhelmed. Rebecca and Dr. Bluestein explain why diagnosis is often the beginning, not the end, of the journey, and why there is no single "EDS expert" who can solve every problem in one visit. They also walk through how to prioritize symptoms, identify the most functionally limiting issues, avoid unnecessary "whack-a-mole" interventions, and build a collaborative care team. This conversation is for anyone who has too many diagnoses, too many opinions, too many tabs open, and no clear next step. If you are trying to make sense of EDS, HSD, hypermobility, mast cell activation, POTS, chronic pain, genetic testing, AI-generated health information, or proposed procedures, this episode offers practical guidance to help you pause, sort through the noise, and move forward with more clarity. Takeaways: • Information overload is real, especially for people with EDS, HSD, POTS, MCAS, chronic pain, and complex multisystem symptoms. • More information does not always mean more clarity. The key is learning what applies to you, right now. • AI tools and direct-to-consumer genetic testing can help organize questions, but they are not diagnostic and can make uncertain findings sound more certain than they are. • A diagnosis can provide validation and shared language, but it is usually the start of building a plan, not the finish line. • Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) and HSD currently do not have a confirmatory genetic test. • No single clinician can be the expert in everything. Progress often comes from a collaborative care team and a clinician willing to listen, learn, and help prioritize. • When multiple diagnoses and procedures are on the table, focusing on the most functionally limiting symptoms can help prevent unnecessary or poorly timed interventions. • Addressing underlying contributors such as mast cell activation, dysautonomia, sleep, nutrition, pain, and deconditioning may sometimes reduce the need for more invasive steps. • The goal is not to chase every possible diagnosis at once. The goal is to identify the next best step. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Exercise is good for EDS." So why do so many hypermobile people get worse when they try it? In this episode of Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by co-host Dr. Dacre Knight, Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorders Center, and physical therapist Dr. Morgan Groover to discuss one of the most misunderstood aspects of hypermobility care: how to make physical therapy and exercise work for a hypermobile body. Many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), chronic pain, POTS, and related conditions have been told to exercise more, only to experience increased pain, injury, or setbacks. Others have been told to avoid activity altogether. In this conversation, Dr. Groover explains why both approaches can miss the mark. Together, they explore how hypermobile joints, muscles, tendons, and connective tissues respond to load, why individualized physical therapy is essential, and how the right amount of strengthening can improve joint stability, function, and quality of life. Dr. Groover shares practical strategies for determining an appropriate starting point, progressing safely, interpreting pain and soreness, and avoiding the common cycle of overdoing it and crashing. They also discuss the powerful role language plays in rehabilitation, how fear of movement can contribute to disability, and why hypermobile patients can often continue participating in activities they love, including running, dancing, yoga, and sports, with the right support and guidance. Whether you're living with EDS, HSD, generalized joint hypermobility, chronic pain, or you're a clinician looking to better support hypermobile patients, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed insights that can help change the way you think about movement and rehabilitation. Takeaways: • Why physical therapy often fails hypermobile patients and what successful EDS-informed rehabilitation looks like • The difference between productive soreness and pain that signals excessive loading • How muscles and tendons adapt to exercise and support joint stability in hypermobility • Why both overloading and underloading can contribute to worsening symptoms • How to safely return to exercise, sports, dance, yoga, and other meaningful activities • Why language matters when discussing joint instability, weakness, and pain • How fear of movement can contribute to deconditioning and disability • Practical strategies for building strength, resilience, and confidence in a hypermobile body Find the episode transcript here. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Morgan Groover? Instagram: @morgan.groover.dpt Website: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/directory/morgan-groover/ Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Exercise is good for EDS." So why do so many hypermobile people get worse when they try it? In this episode of Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by co-host Dr. Dacre Knight, Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorders Center, and physical therapist Dr. Morgan Groover to discuss one of the most misunderstood aspects of hypermobility care: how to make physical therapy and exercise work for a hypermobile body. Many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), chronic pain, POTS, and related conditions have been told to exercise more, only to experience increased pain, injury, or setbacks. Others have been told to avoid activity altogether. In this conversation, Dr. Groover explains why both approaches can miss the mark. Together, they explore how hypermobile joints, muscles, tendons, and connective tissues respond to load, why individualized physical therapy is essential, and how the right amount of strengthening can improve joint stability, function, and quality of life. Dr. Groover shares practical strategies for determining an appropriate starting point, progressing safely, interpreting pain and soreness, and avoiding the common cycle of overdoing it and crashing. They also discuss the powerful role language plays in rehabilitation, how fear of movement can contribute to disability, and why hypermobile patients can often continue participating in activities they love, including running, dancing, yoga, and sports, with the right support and guidance. Whether you're living with EDS, HSD, generalized joint hypermobility, chronic pain, or you're a clinician looking to better support hypermobile patients, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed insights that can help change the way you think about movement and rehabilitation. Takeaways: • Why physical therapy often fails hypermobile patients and what successful EDS-informed rehabilitation looks like • The difference between productive soreness and pain that signals excessive loading • How muscles and tendons adapt to exercise and support joint stability in hypermobility • Why both overloading and underloading can contribute to worsening symptoms • How to safely return to exercise, sports, dance, yoga, and other meaningful activities • Why language matters when discussing joint instability, weakness, and pain • How fear of movement can contribute to deconditioning and disability • Practical strategies for building strength, resilience, and confidence in a hypermobile body Find the episode transcript here. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Morgan Groover? Instagram: @morgan.groover.dpt Website: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/directory/morgan-groover/ Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Struggling with retention, churn, or adoption in your product, service, or program? Get the free Core Drives in the Wild guide and see how to apply real behavioral design to your engagement: professorgame.com/WildCD Episode Summary Alan Yeats, CEO of Pocket Sized Hands, a co-development game studio in Dundee, Scotland, explains why the best learning games start with play and add the curriculum second. He walks through real projects, a knife-crime prevention game stopped cold by school firewalls and a stem cell science game built with Cambridge University, to show how co-design keeps everyone pointed at the same goal. Alan argues that the job is to find the underlying play and the real "why" behind a request, not to cram years of lessons into one product. Listeners come away with a practical filter for any educational or engagement project: build a genuinely good game first, then weave the learning in so people actually engage. About the Host Rob Alvarez is Head of Engagement Strategy, Europe at The Octalysis Group (TOG), a leading gamification and behavioral design consultancy. A globally recognized gamification strategist and TEDx speaker, he founded and hosts Professor Game, the #1 gamification podcast, and has interviewed hundreds of global experts. He designs evidence-based engagement systems that drive motivation, loyalty, and results, and teaches LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and gamification at top institutions including IE Business School, EFMD, and EBS University across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Key Takeaways Pocket Sized Hands built a polished Jackbox-style game to steer young people away from knife crime, then hit a wall when school IT firewalls blocked the phone-to-screen connection the experience ran on. The end user is never the only stakeholder a product has to satisfy. For Cambridge University, the studio corrected public misconceptions about stem cell science by running back-to-basics workshops to isolate the one message that mattered, rather than cramming an entire syllabus into a single game. Alan Yeats's rule for education clients who want to throw the whole textbook at a game: make it genuinely fun first, then layer the lessons in, because curriculum with no play earns no engagement to teach against. Co-design converts a client from someone who merely commissioned a product into an owner who evangelizes it, which is why Pocket Sized Hands opens projects with a workshop for facilitators and real users instead of a written spec. Pitching the visual register openly, from a corporate LinkedIn-style progress bar to a fully magical world, lets a team test how far it can push a client before the client pushes back with "that is too much fun." Topics Covered 0:00 - Stop cramming textbooks into games 0:16 - Meet Alan Yeats and Pocket Sized Hands 3:16 - A knife-crime game blocked by firewalls 5:23 - Design for the stakeholders you forget 8:08 - The Cambridge stem cell game that worked 9:03 - Make the game fun first 10:40 - Co-design and finding the real problem 12:33 - From corporate progress bars to magical worlds 14:54 - Focus on the play, not the game 16:25 - The future guest he would want to hear 17:46 - Why Deep Work sharpens his focus 19:04 - His superpower, favorite game, and final advice Struggling with retention, churn, or adoption in your product, service, or program? Get the free Core Drives in the Wild guide and see how to apply real behavioral design to your engagement: professorgame.com/WildCD About Alan Yeats Alan Yeats is the CEO of Pocket Sized Hands, a co-development game studio based in Dundee, Scotland. He left school at 16 to work on games, dropped out of university, and founded the studio nine years ago. Since then, Pocket Sized Hands has helped ship titles including Pocket Mortys for Adult Swim, Oddworld: Soulstorm, and Bendy and the Ink Machine, working with clients ranging from indie developers to major publishers. The studio specialises in co-development, porting, networking, and live ops. Find the Guest Online Pocket Sized Hands: pocketsizedhands.com Personal site: alanyeats.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alanyeats X (studio): @PKTSizedHands Mentioned in This Episode Some links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Proposed future guest: someone who wants to use gamification but hasn't yet Recommended book: Deep Work by Cal Newport Favorite game: Ratchet & Clank 3 Free Resources and Get in Touch Core Drives in the Wild: Professor Game Free Guide Get Daily Value on Your Email Let's chat about your gamification project YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Start Your Community on Skool for Free Ask a question
What happens when the original voices behind Bendy Bodies come back together 200 episodes later? In this special milestone episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein reunites with her original co-host, dance medicine specialist Jennifer Milner, and the very first guest ever featured on the podcast, Dr. Moira McCormack. Long before hypermobility became a topic of widespread discussion, Dr. McCormack was asking important questions. A former Royal Ballet dancer, former Lead Physiotherapist for The Royal Ballet, and pioneering researcher, she was among the earliest clinicians investigating joint hypermobility in dancers and the challenges that often accompany it. Together, they reflect on more than two decades of progress in our understanding of hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), while exploring the many misconceptions that still persist today. The conversation goes far beyond flexibility. Dr. McCormack explains why many hypermobile dancers must work harder, recover more strategically, and develop greater body awareness than their peers. The discussion also dives into the often-overlooked multisystem effects of hypermobility, including fatigue, pain, dysautonomia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Drawing on decades of experience working with elite dancers and hypermobile patients, Dr. McCormack shares practical insights on injury prevention, individualized rehabilitation, hands-on assessment, and the art of teaching movement with patience and precision. Whether you're a dancer, athlete, parent, teacher, clinician, or someone navigating hypermobility yourself, this episode offers both a fascinating look at how far the field has come and a roadmap for where we still need to go. Most importantly, it reminds us that success in a hypermobile body isn't about having the most flexibility. It's about developing the control, strength, awareness, and resilience to use that flexibility well. Key Takeaways • This episode reunites the same three people who launched Bendy Bodies with Episode 1, creating a full-circle conversation 200 episodes later. • Hypermobile dancers often work harder behind the scenes than audiences realize. Fatigue, recovery, and injury prevention are frequently bigger challenges than flexibility itself. • Flexibility without control can increase injury risk. Strength, stability, motor control, and body awareness are essential for long-term success. • Hypermobility can affect far more than the joints, contributing to symptoms involving the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and cardiovascular system. • Rehabilitation is rarely one-size-fits-all. Hypermobile individuals often benefit from individualized assessment, hands-on treatment, and slower, more deliberate progression. • Teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals play a critical role in recognizing early warning signs and supporting healthy development in young dancers. • One of the most powerful injury-prevention strategies may be surprisingly simple: learning to master posture and alignment before adding movement. • Moira also honors the influence of the late Professor Rodney Grahame, with whom she conducted her early research and met frequently to discuss joint hypermobility, connective tissue disorders, and the many unanswered questions that continue to shape the field today. Find the episode transcript here. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Jennifer Milner? Instagram: @jennifer.milner Website: https://www.jennifer-milner.com/ Want more Dr. Moira McCormack? https://iseh.co.uk/member/moira-mccormack Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What happens when the original voices behind Bendy Bodies come back together 200 episodes later? In this special milestone episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein reunites with her original co-host, dance medicine specialist Jennifer Milner, and the very first guest ever featured on the podcast, Dr. Moira McCormack. Long before hypermobility became a topic of widespread discussion, Dr. McCormack was asking important questions. A former Royal Ballet dancer, former Lead Physiotherapist for The Royal Ballet, and pioneering researcher, she was among the earliest clinicians investigating joint hypermobility in dancers and the challenges that often accompany it. Together, they reflect on more than two decades of progress in our understanding of hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), while exploring the many misconceptions that still persist today. The conversation goes far beyond flexibility. Dr. McCormack explains why many hypermobile dancers must work harder, recover more strategically, and develop greater body awareness than their peers. The discussion also dives into the often-overlooked multisystem effects of hypermobility, including fatigue, pain, dysautonomia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Drawing on decades of experience working with elite dancers and hypermobile patients, Dr. McCormack shares practical insights on injury prevention, individualized rehabilitation, hands-on assessment, and the art of teaching movement with patience and precision. Whether you're a dancer, athlete, parent, teacher, clinician, or someone navigating hypermobility yourself, this episode offers both a fascinating look at how far the field has come and a roadmap for where we still need to go. Most importantly, it reminds us that success in a hypermobile body isn't about having the most flexibility. It's about developing the control, strength, awareness, and resilience to use that flexibility well. Key Takeaways • This episode reunites the same three people who launched Bendy Bodies with Episode 1, creating a full-circle conversation 200 episodes later. • Hypermobile dancers often work harder behind the scenes than audiences realize. Fatigue, recovery, and injury prevention are frequently bigger challenges than flexibility itself. • Flexibility without control can increase injury risk. Strength, stability, motor control, and body awareness are essential for long-term success. • Hypermobility can affect far more than the joints, contributing to symptoms involving the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and cardiovascular system. • Rehabilitation is rarely one-size-fits-all. Hypermobile individuals often benefit from individualized assessment, hands-on treatment, and slower, more deliberate progression. • Teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals play a critical role in recognizing early warning signs and supporting healthy development in young dancers. • One of the most powerful injury-prevention strategies may be surprisingly simple: learning to master posture and alignment before adding movement. • Moira also honors the influence of the late Professor Rodney Grahame, with whom she conducted her early research and met frequently to discuss joint hypermobility, connective tissue disorders, and the many unanswered questions that continue to shape the field today. Find the episode transcript here. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Jennifer Milner? Instagram: @jennifer.milner Website: https://www.jennifer-milner.com/ Want more Dr. Moira McCormack? https://iseh.co.uk/member/moira-mccormack Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Perimenopause likes to really throw us through a loop, and things that might have previously been stable no longer feel so predictable.” - Vanessa Weiland, NP, HT, MSCPEven with the expanding conversation on perimenopause, our clients and patients with chronic illness are still being left out. The one-size-fits-all approach doesn't address those with hypermobility syndromes, mast cell activation syndrome, dysautonomia, or complex chronic illness. In perimenopause, conditions you've dealt with for years can change significantly. Symptoms that were manageable for years suddenly become more intense, pain patterns shift, sleep becomes less reliable, and many women find themselves wondering whether this is "just perimenopause" or something else entirely.What makes this phase especially challenging is that hormones don't operate in isolation. Estrogen, progesterone, connective tissue health, immune function, mast cells, autonomic regulation, sleep, and stress physiology interact simultaneously. Myopically looking at menopause through the lens of hot flashes and hormone replacement therapy makes us miss the much more complex reality facing women who are already navigating chronic health conditions. For these patients, finding stability often requires a more personalized and layered approach.In today's episode, I'm joined by Vanessa Weiland, a nurse practitioner, menopause specialist, and founder of Phases Clinic, known online as Bendy Menopause. Vanessa shares her journey with hypermobility and chronic pain and explains why perimenopause can be such a pivotal transition for women with connective tissue disorders and related conditions. We discuss the relationship between hormones, mast cells, and the nervous system, why standard menopause protocols don't always work for this population, how progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone can affect symptoms differently, practical strategies for building a supportive clinical team, the overlap between hypermobility, long Covid, trauma, chronic pain, and neurodiversity, why small, individualized changes over time are often the key to helping these patients feel better, and more.Enjoy the episode, and let's innovate and integrate together!---Learn more or watch the video version of this conversation at https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/bendy-menopause-strategies-for-care-with-heds-and-other-hypermobility-spectrum-disorders-with-vanessa-weiland/.Connect with me and access our entire platform at IntegrativeWomensHealthInstitute.com (https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/).Find and follow us @integrativewomenshealth on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@integrativewomenshealth) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/integrativewomenshealth/).
Could one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and slow recovery be hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein and co-host Dr. Dacre Knight sit down with integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff to unpack why Vitamin D may be one of the most important, misunderstood, and cost-effective interventions in modern medicine. But this conversation goes far beyond bone health. Dr. Plotnikoff explains why Vitamin D functions more like a hormone than a vitamin, influencing over 2,000 genes tied to immune function, mood, sleep, inflammation, muscle health, and pain regulation. Together, they explore why profound deficiencies are shockingly common, even in sunny climates, and how low levels may contribute to chronic musculoskeletal pain, tendinopathies, stress fractures, fatigue, and complex chronic illness. The discussion also dives into practical, foundational medicine for patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), chronic pain, and other multisystem conditions, including the “Top 5” lab tests Dr. Plotnikoff believes are essential for understanding the bigger picture of health. If you've ever been told your labs are “normal” while still feeling awful, this episode may change how you think about chronic illness and foundational health. Takeaways: • Vitamin D is actually a hormone that regulates gene expression affecting pain, sleep, energy, immunity, and bone health. • Chronic musculoskeletal pain, stress fractures, and tendon problems may sometimes be linked to severe Vitamin D deficiency. • Many people remain profoundly deficient despite living in sunny climates because Vitamin D synthesis is blocked by glass, sunscreen, clothing, and indoor lifestyles. • Vitamin D dosing is often weight-dependent, meaning some individuals require significantly higher doses to reach adequate levels. • Dr. Plotnikoff's “Top 5” foundational labs for complex chronic illness include: Find the episode transcript here. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff? www.MNpersonalizedmedicine.com Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Could one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and slow recovery be hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein and co-host Dr. Dacre Knight sit down with integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff to unpack why Vitamin D may be one of the most important, misunderstood, and cost-effective interventions in modern medicine. But this conversation goes far beyond bone health. Dr. Plotnikoff explains why Vitamin D functions more like a hormone than a vitamin, influencing over 2,000 genes tied to immune function, mood, sleep, inflammation, muscle health, and pain regulation. Together, they explore why profound deficiencies are shockingly common, even in sunny climates, and how low levels may contribute to chronic musculoskeletal pain, tendinopathies, stress fractures, fatigue, and complex chronic illness. The discussion also dives into practical, foundational medicine for patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), chronic pain, and other multisystem conditions, including the “Top 5” lab tests Dr. Plotnikoff believes are essential for understanding the bigger picture of health. If you've ever been told your labs are “normal” while still feeling awful, this episode may change how you think about chronic illness and foundational health. Takeaways: • Vitamin D is actually a hormone that regulates gene expression affecting pain, sleep, energy, immunity, and bone health. • Chronic musculoskeletal pain, stress fractures, and tendon problems may sometimes be linked to severe Vitamin D deficiency. • Many people remain profoundly deficient despite living in sunny climates because Vitamin D synthesis is blocked by glass, sunscreen, clothing, and indoor lifestyles. • Vitamin D dosing is often weight-dependent, meaning some individuals require significantly higher doses to reach adequate levels. • Dr. Plotnikoff's “Top 5” foundational labs for complex chronic illness include: Find the episode transcript here. Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff? www.MNpersonalizedmedicine.com Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! Learn more about Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You have been told it is just weight. Just diet. Just effort. For millions of women with lipedema, that is not just wrong. It is decades of unnecessary suffering. In this episode of Bendy Bodies, I sit down with Kasi Grosvenor and Jesse Cochrane from the Lipedema Foundation to pull back the curtain on one of the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood conditions in women's health. Kasi spent decades fainting, being dismissed, and searching for answers before finally finding clarity at the intersection of lipedema and hereditary alpha tryptasemia. Her story is not unusual. It is the norm for this patient population. Jesse brings the science. Lipedema is not obesity. It is not a lifestyle problem. It is a chronic medical condition involving disproportionate, painful, fibrotic adipose tissue that resists caloric restriction and exercise by design. Emerging research points to extracellular matrix dysfunction as a potential shared biological thread connecting lipedema to Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), hypermobility, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). The overlap is not coincidental. It may be biological. We cover what clinicians and patients both need to understand: Why the absence of biomarkers has made diagnosis so difficult, and what the evolving definition of the disease actually means for patients seeking answers. Why lipedema tissue behaves differently from typical fat, and why standard weight loss advice not only fails but can cause harm. What conservative management actually looks like, including medical compression, pneumatic compression pumps, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and specialized manual therapies. The truth about lipedema removal surgery. This is not cosmetic liposuction. It is a medical intervention to remove diseased tissue, and its outcomes depend heavily on what comes before and after the procedure. If you have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told to try harder, this episode is for you. Takeaways: Lipedema is not obesity. The tissue is structurally and biologically different, and it does not respond to diet and exercise the way standard fat tissue does. Pain and tenderness in the affected tissue is a hallmark feature, not a coincidence. If you have EDS, HSD, POTS, or MCAS, lipedema may be part of your picture. The biological overlap is real and increasingly supported by research. A normal BMI does not rule out lipedema. Diagnosis is clinical, not based on weight. Lipedema removal surgery is a medical procedure. Calling it cosmetic liposuction misrepresents both the tissue and the intent. The absence of biomarkers does not mean the condition is not real. It means the research has not caught up yet. Want more Kasi Grosvenor & Jesse Cochrane? https://x.com/LipedemaFndn https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_fndn/ https://www.facebook.com/Lipedema/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvpjYrsAUGB0-evCNqsSrGA https://www.lipedema.org/ Go AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code BENDY for up to 30% off — but only for a limited time. This exclusive offer runs from May 18th through June 1st only, so don't wait. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You have been told it is just weight. Just diet. Just effort. For millions of women with lipedema, that is not just wrong. It is decades of unnecessary suffering. In this episode of Bendy Bodies, I sit down with Kasi Grosvenor and Jesse Cochrane from the Lipedema Foundation to pull back the curtain on one of the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood conditions in women's health. Kasi spent decades fainting, being dismissed, and searching for answers before finally finding clarity at the intersection of lipedema and hereditary alpha tryptasemia. Her story is not unusual. It is the norm for this patient population. Jesse brings the science. Lipedema is not obesity. It is not a lifestyle problem. It is a chronic medical condition involving disproportionate, painful, fibrotic adipose tissue that resists caloric restriction and exercise by design. Emerging research points to extracellular matrix dysfunction as a potential shared biological thread connecting lipedema to Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), hypermobility, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). The overlap is not coincidental. It may be biological. We cover what clinicians and patients both need to understand: Why the absence of biomarkers has made diagnosis so difficult, and what the evolving definition of the disease actually means for patients seeking answers. Why lipedema tissue behaves differently from typical fat, and why standard weight loss advice not only fails but can cause harm. What conservative management actually looks like, including medical compression, pneumatic compression pumps, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and specialized manual therapies. The truth about lipedema removal surgery. This is not cosmetic liposuction. It is a medical intervention to remove diseased tissue, and its outcomes depend heavily on what comes before and after the procedure. If you have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told to try harder, this episode is for you. Takeaways: Lipedema is not obesity. The tissue is structurally and biologically different, and it does not respond to diet and exercise the way standard fat tissue does. Pain and tenderness in the affected tissue is a hallmark feature, not a coincidence. If you have EDS, HSD, POTS, or MCAS, lipedema may be part of your picture. The biological overlap is real and increasingly supported by research. A normal BMI does not rule out lipedema. Diagnosis is clinical, not based on weight. Lipedema removal surgery is a medical procedure. Calling it cosmetic liposuction misrepresents both the tissue and the intent. The absence of biomarkers does not mean the condition is not real. It means the research has not caught up yet. Want more Kasi Grosvenor & Jesse Cochrane? https://x.com/LipedemaFndn https://www.instagram.com/lipedema_fndn/ https://www.facebook.com/Lipedema/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvpjYrsAUGB0-evCNqsSrGA https://www.lipedema.org/ Go AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code BENDY for up to 30% off — but only for a limited time. This exclusive offer runs from May 18th through June 1st only, so don't wait. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most people with EDS or HSD have been told to "exercise more," "eat better," and "sleep on a schedule," usually by someone who has never tried to do any of those things in a hypermobile, pain-flaring, dysautonomic body. This episode is different. Dr. Linda Bluestein and Dr. Dacre Knight break down the foundational layer of the MENS PMMS treatment algorithm, a structured framework built specifically for the complexity of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders. MENS stands for Movement, Education, Nutrition, and Sleep. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level advice to explain what each category actually means when your connective tissue, nervous system, and autonomic function are all working against you at once. You will learn why standard physical therapy can set EDS patients back and what to look for in a provider who actually understands joint protection. You will understand central sensitization at a biological level, not just as a buzzword, and why reframing pain as a nervous system state rather than a structural inevitability changes everything. You will hear why nutrition conversations for the EDS population need to start with GI dysfunction and malabsorption, not calories and BMI. And you will finally get a clear explanation of why pain and poor sleep feed each other in a vicious cycle, and what interrupts it. Whether you are a patient who has heard "your labs are normal" one too many times, or a clinician building a practice that actually serves this community, this episode gives you a concrete starting point. The body you are working with is not broken. It just needs a different playbook. Takeaways: Why most PT makes EDS worse before it makes it better, and the "slow and low" approach that actually builds joint stability without triggering a flare. The neuroscience of "no plastic" pain. Central sensitization is not in your head. Understanding how the nervous system learns to amplify pain is the first step toward teaching it something different. Nutrition beyond BMI. In EDS and HSD, postprandial distress, malabsorption, and GI dysmotility are often the bigger drivers of health outcomes than anything showing up on a standard nutrition screening. The pain-insomnia trap. Pain activates your sympathetic nervous system. A revved-up sympathetic nervous system blocks restorative sleep. Poor sleep amplifies pain sensitivity. Here is how to break the cycle. Motion is lotion, done right. Low-impact, recumbent movement is not a consolation prize. It is one of the most effective tools for stabilizing autonomic function in this population. Go AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most people with EDS or HSD have been told to "exercise more," "eat better," and "sleep on a schedule," usually by someone who has never tried to do any of those things in a hypermobile, pain-flaring, dysautonomic body. This episode is different. Dr. Linda Bluestein and Dr. Dacre Knight break down the foundational layer of the MENS PMMS treatment algorithm, a structured framework built specifically for the complexity of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders. MENS stands for Movement, Education, Nutrition, and Sleep. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level advice to explain what each category actually means when your connective tissue, nervous system, and autonomic function are all working against you at once. You will learn why standard physical therapy can set EDS patients back and what to look for in a provider who actually understands joint protection. You will understand central sensitization at a biological level, not just as a buzzword, and why reframing pain as a nervous system state rather than a structural inevitability changes everything. You will hear why nutrition conversations for the EDS population need to start with GI dysfunction and malabsorption, not calories and BMI. And you will finally get a clear explanation of why pain and poor sleep feed each other in a vicious cycle, and what interrupts it. Whether you are a patient who has heard "your labs are normal" one too many times, or a clinician building a practice that actually serves this community, this episode gives you a concrete starting point. The body you are working with is not broken. It just needs a different playbook. Takeaways: Why most PT makes EDS worse before it makes it better, and the "slow and low" approach that actually builds joint stability without triggering a flare. The neuroscience of "no plastic" pain. Central sensitization is not in your head. Understanding how the nervous system learns to amplify pain is the first step toward teaching it something different. Nutrition beyond BMI. In EDS and HSD, postprandial distress, malabsorption, and GI dysmotility are often the bigger drivers of health outcomes than anything showing up on a standard nutrition screening. The pain-insomnia trap. Pain activates your sympathetic nervous system. A revved-up sympathetic nervous system blocks restorative sleep. Poor sleep amplifies pain sensitivity. Here is how to break the cycle. Motion is lotion, done right. Low-impact, recumbent movement is not a consolation prize. It is one of the most effective tools for stabilizing autonomic function in this population. Find the episode transcript here. Go AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if being too flexible is exactly what makes surgery fail? And what if your doctor thinks your shoulder is fine because you can lift your arm to 90 degrees, not realizing that for you, 90 degrees might as well be a frozen joint? Your joints bend farther than most. But when something goes wrong, that same flexibility may be working against you and your surgeon may not know it yet. In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, orthopedic surgeon at Duke University, to pull back the curtain on one of medicine's most misunderstood intersections: hypermobility, connective tissue disorders, and orthopedic care. Why do surgeons sometimes refuse to operate on patients with hypermobility or EDS? What actually happens during an "atraumatic" dislocation and why does it feel so different from a typical injury? And how does estrogen quietly shape the strength of your connective tissue across your lifetime? Dr. Wittstein walks us through the critical distinction between joint laxity and instability a difference that changes everything about treatment. She explains the frozen shoulder paradox, where a hypermobile patient loses dramatic range of motion but still looks "normal" on paper. She breaks down what PRP can and cannot do, and when regenerative medicine is worth considering. And she reveals why surgical technique itself has to change when the patient has variant connective tissue. Whether you are managing chronic subluxations, weighing a surgical decision, or just trying to understand why your body plays by different rules this conversation gives you the framework to advocate for smarter care. Takeaways: Laxity Is Not Instability: Laxity is how far your joint moves. Instability is what happens when you can no longer control that movement. These are not the same problem, and confusing them leads to the wrong treatment. The Dislocation Spectrum: Hypermobile joints often dislocate with little or no trauma -- and reduce just as easily, because the tissues have more give and recoil. This is a fundamentally different mechanism than what surgeons typically train for. Why Surgery Gets Complicated: Surgeons may modify technique entirely for hypermobile patients using donor tendons or internal bracing, because standard repairs fail at higher rates when connective tissue itself is the variable. Estrogen and Your Joints: Estrogen influences collagen synthesis and joint inflammation. Its withdrawal during menopause can trigger increased pain and fibrotic conditions, including frozen shoulder, in ways that are rarely discussed. The Frozen Shoulder Paradox: A hypermobile patient presenting with 90 degrees of shoulder motion might look fine to any other doctor. For them, it may represent a catastrophic loss from baseline and will almost certainly be missed without the right clinical lens. What PRP Can (and Cannot) Do: PRP shows legitimate evidence for reducing inflammatory markers in mild arthritis. Bone marrow concentrate, despite the hype, has not yet proven superior. Know the difference before you invest. Want more Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein? @Jocelyn_wittstein_md https://ortho.duke.edu/jocelyn-r-wittstein-md Go to cozyearth.com and use my Promo Code: BENDYBOGO Go AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if being too flexible is exactly what makes surgery fail? And what if your doctor thinks your shoulder is fine because you can lift your arm to 90 degrees, not realizing that for you, 90 degrees might as well be a frozen joint? Your joints bend farther than most. But when something goes wrong, that same flexibility may be working against you and your surgeon may not know it yet. In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, orthopedic surgeon at Duke University, to pull back the curtain on one of medicine's most misunderstood intersections: hypermobility, connective tissue disorders, and orthopedic care. Why do surgeons sometimes refuse to operate on patients with hypermobility or EDS? What actually happens during an "atraumatic" dislocation and why does it feel so different from a typical injury? And how does estrogen quietly shape the strength of your connective tissue across your lifetime? Dr. Wittstein walks us through the critical distinction between joint laxity and instability a difference that changes everything about treatment. She explains the frozen shoulder paradox, where a hypermobile patient loses dramatic range of motion but still looks "normal" on paper. She breaks down what PRP can and cannot do, and when regenerative medicine is worth considering. And she reveals why surgical technique itself has to change when the patient has variant connective tissue. Whether you are managing chronic subluxations, weighing a surgical decision, or just trying to understand why your body plays by different rules this conversation gives you the framework to advocate for smarter care. Takeaways: Laxity Is Not Instability: Laxity is how far your joint moves. Instability is what happens when you can no longer control that movement. These are not the same problem, and confusing them leads to the wrong treatment. The Dislocation Spectrum: Hypermobile joints often dislocate with little or no trauma -- and reduce just as easily, because the tissues have more give and recoil. This is a fundamentally different mechanism than what surgeons typically train for. Why Surgery Gets Complicated: Surgeons may modify technique entirely for hypermobile patients using donor tendons or internal bracing, because standard repairs fail at higher rates when connective tissue itself is the variable. Estrogen and Your Joints: Estrogen influences collagen synthesis and joint inflammation. Its withdrawal during menopause can trigger increased pain and fibrotic conditions, including frozen shoulder, in ways that are rarely discussed. The Frozen Shoulder Paradox: A hypermobile patient presenting with 90 degrees of shoulder motion might look fine to any other doctor. For them, it may represent a catastrophic loss from baseline and will almost certainly be missed without the right clinical lens. What PRP Can (and Cannot) Do: PRP shows legitimate evidence for reducing inflammatory markers in mild arthritis. Bone marrow concentrate, despite the hype, has not yet proven superior. Know the difference before you invest. Want more Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein? @Jocelyn_wittstein_md https://ortho.duke.edu/jocelyn-r-wittstein-md Go to cozyearth.com and use my Promo Code: BENDYBOGO Go AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this "MythBusters" edition of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein and recurring co-host Dr. Dacre Knight tackle the persistent misconceptions surrounding Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and their frequent companions, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Dr. Knight, Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorder Center, shares why hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is a serious condition even when not life-threatening, and why a negative genetic test doesn't rule out a diagnosis. The conversation dives deep into the "invisible" impact of these disorders on long-term disability and work ability, while offering hope through a better understanding of pain processing and nociplastic pain. From debunking the idea that POTS is merely deconditioning to navigating the controversial waters of MCAS, this episode empowers patients and clinicians with the knowledge needed to look past the surface and recognize the systemic reality of bendy bodies. Takeaways: EDS Severity: Hypermobile EDS and HSD are serious, chronic conditions that cause multi-system impairment and long-term disability, regardless of whether they are immediately life-threatening. Genetic Testing Limits: Current genetic testing cannot rule out hEDS or HSD because their specific genetic markers remain unknown; diagnosis still relies on clinical history and physical assessment. POTS is Systemic: POTS is far more than simple deconditioning or a cardiac issue; it is a neurologic dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system that impacts everything from heart rate to temperature regulation. The MCAS Spectrum: While MCAS criteria are still evolving and controversial, focusing on clinical patterns and safe treatment responses can improve quality of life even when lab tests (e.g., tryptase) are negative. Pain vs. Damage: Pain is a complex, bidirectional experience; patients can experience significant pain without visible structural damage due to central sensitization and dysfunctional pain signaling. Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? Go AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this "MythBusters" edition of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein and recurring co-host Dr. Dacre Knight tackle the persistent misconceptions surrounding Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and their frequent companions, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Dr. Knight, Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorder Center, shares why hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is a serious condition even when not life-threatening, and why a negative genetic test doesn't rule out a diagnosis. The conversation dives deep into the "invisible" impact of these disorders on long-term disability and work ability, while offering hope through a better understanding of pain processing and nociplastic pain. From debunking the idea that POTS is merely deconditioning to navigating the controversial waters of MCAS, this episode empowers patients and clinicians with the knowledge needed to look past the surface and recognize the systemic reality of bendy bodies. Takeaways: EDS Severity: Hypermobile EDS and HSD are serious, chronic conditions that cause multi-system impairment and long-term disability, regardless of whether they are immediately life-threatening. Genetic Testing Limits: Current genetic testing cannot rule out hEDS or HSD because their specific genetic markers remain unknown; diagnosis still relies on clinical history and physical assessment. POTS is Systemic: POTS is far more than simple deconditioning or a cardiac issue; it is a neurologic dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system that impacts everything from heart rate to temperature regulation. The MCAS Spectrum: While MCAS criteria are still evolving and controversial, focusing on clinical patterns and safe treatment responses can improve quality of life even when lab tests (e.g., tryptase) are negative. Pain vs. Damage: Pain is a complex, bidirectional experience; patients can experience significant pain without visible structural damage due to central sensitization and dysfunctional pain signaling. Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? Go AquaTru.com now for 20% off (your purifier) using promo code BENDY. For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
To answer our question, Emile is joined by Dr Thor Bresier, a Professor at Auckland University's Bioengineering Institute.
After a much needed break, Waldy & Bendy are back with an episode recorded live at Gloucester History Festival, talking about their favourite English Civil War paintings. Thank you to Vicki Hopson and Sarah Smyth of Gloucester History Festival for providing the live recording. Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/BqucJweDbWk See the show notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-6-episode-4-live-at-gloucester-history-festival/
In this essential conversation, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes pelvic health physical therapist and dance science expert Dr. Brooke Winder to explore the often-hidden intersection of pelvic health, performance, and joint hypermobility. Dr. Winder shares her professional insights and personal history with urinary leakage as a young athlete, shedding light on why over a third of professional dancers and aerialists experience similar symptoms. The discussion unpacks the "hypermobility paradox", where muscles become chronically overactive to compensate for lax ligaments, and how this tension can lead to pelvic pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. From the impact of under-fueling (REDs) to the surprising connection between jaw tension and the pelvic floor, this episode provides a roadmap for athletes and non-athletes alike to "zoom out" and find holistic strategies for recovery and resilience. Takeaways: The Hypermobility Paradox: People with lax connective tissue often have hyperactive pelvic floor muscles that work overtime to provide the stability their ligaments cannot. Prevalence in Performance: Around 34% of professional dancers and 40% of aerialists report urinary leakage, even those who have never been pregnant or given birth. The "Zoom Out" Method: Pelvic health is influenced by the entire body; issues in the jaw (TMJ), neck, and hips can directly contribute to pelvic floor tension and pain. REDs and Incontinence: Low energy availability (under-fueling) can weaken skeletal muscles, including the pelvic floor, and is now recognized as a health consequence of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport. Autonomic Influence: The pelvic floor is highly responsive to the nervous system; conditions like POTS can trigger bladder urgency and disrupt coordination. Agency in Therapy: Pelvic floor PT does not always require an internal exam; many improvements can be made through external assessment, virtual coaching, and movement strategies Find the episode transcript here. Want more Dr. Brooke Winder? https://www.instagram.com/drbrookewinderpt/ Go to cozyearth.com and use my Promo Code: BENDYBOGO Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this enlightening episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein and recurring co-host Dr. Dacre Knight sit down with nationally recognized expert Dr. Anne Maitland to explore a revolutionary perspective on allergic and immune-mediated disorders. Dr. Maitland unpacks the "Epithelial Barrier Hypothesis," explaining how our modernized, industrialized environment, filled with microplastics, "forever chemicals," and processed foods, has essentially "confused" our ancestral defenses. She describes the triad of the epithelial border, the nervous system, and mast cells, illustrating how hypermobile individuals often act as the "canaries in the coal mine" due to their heightened sensory perceptions. The discussion moves beyond traditional allergy testing to address why so many patients suffer from multi-organ symptoms despite negative lab results, offering practical "swaps" and treatment strategies to help quiet a twitchy immune system. Takeaways The Border Under Attack: Modern pollutants like microplastics and harsh cleaners cause "leaky" epithelial barriers in the skin, gut, and lungs, allowing triggers to constantly activate the immune system. The Sensory-Immune Triad: Mast cells sit directly next to somatosensory nerves and blood vessels; when the nerves detect danger, they signal the mast cells to release potent chemicals. "Twitchy" vs. "Broken" Cells: Most patients don't have rare genetic mast cell diseases (broken cells) but rather "Mast Cells Breaking Bad", cells that are over-responding to an increasingly toxic environment. EDS and Hypersensitivity: There is a high correlation between being "bendy" and being hypersensitive, as proprioceptive deficits can keep the nervous system and thus the mast cells in a state of high alert. Practical Swaps for Stability: Simple changes like wearing cotton, using glass storage, and avoiding processed foods (emulsifiers) can significantly reduce the "insults" to your epithelial barriers. Find the episode transcript here. Want more Dr. Anne Maitland? https://x.com/asktheallergist Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health Want more Dr. Dacre Knight? https://x.com/knidac Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this listener-inspired episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by producer Aron from Human Content to address the fundamental truths she wishes every patient knew about hypermobility. Together, they explore the "invisible" yet highly visible nature of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), providing a roadmap to help patients stop gaslighting themselves and start advocating for better care. Dr. Bluestein breaks down complex concepts like central sensitization and the "sympathetic overdrive" often experienced by bendy bodies, while offering practical strategies for organizing medical documents and communicating effectively with practitioners. From debunking the myth of "growing pains" in teenagers to identifying environmental mast cell triggers, this conversation is a masterclass in shifting from a mindset of anxiety to one of curious, proactive detection. Takeaways: You Are Not Imagining It: Learn why hypermobility symptoms like pain, fatigue, and brain fog are frequently dismissed and how to validate your own physiological experience. The Interconnected Body: Understand how connective tissue disorders affect nearly every system, from gut motility to the "dishwasher of the brain" known as the glymphatic system. The "Reporter" Mindset: Discover how to present your symptoms objectively to doctors to avoid having physical complaints misattributed solely to anxiety. The HSD/hEDS Distinction: Clarify the differences between hypermobile EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders, including the current reality of genetic testing. Mast Cells as the First Domino: Explore why stabilizing mast cells can have widespread benefits across the GI tract, skin, and nervous system Find the episode transcript here. Go to cozyearth.com and use my Promo Code: BENDYBOGO Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BENDY_ to get UP TO $300 off today! Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD? Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/ Shop my Amazon store https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center? For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health 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 Human Content at http://www.human-content.com Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: sales@human-content.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Waldy and Bendy talks about the horses in the Stubbs exhibition at the National Gallery, and delves into how art has portrayed the devil. See the show notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-6-episode-3-horses-and-devils/ Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/7XbHkYanMHM
Waldy and Bendy discuss the devastating destruction in Iran, Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale, and Leonardo's Salvator Mundi. Bendy also tells Waldy of his adventures at TEFAF, while Waldy celebrates a belated Mother's Day with an Alice Neel painting. See the show notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-6-episode-2/ Watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/BfqU8Ry9QGY
Weekly Reviews: DC DC K.O. 5 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Javi Fernandez, Xermanico, Wes Craig, Alejandro Sanchez Marvel Iceman: Omega by Luciano Vecchio Moonstar 1 by Ashley Allen, Edoardo Audino, Arthur Hesli Star Wars: Shadow of Maul 1 by Benjamin Percy, Madibek Musabekov, Luis Guerrero X-Men Annual 2026 by Ryan Stegman, Steve Skroce, Sanford Greene, Arthur Hesli Marvel Unlimited Infinity Comics: Symbie 6 by Jacob Chabot Dark Horse Lands Unknown: The Skinless Man 1 by Ben Stenbeck, Dave Stewart Dynamite Disney Villains: Gaston 1 by Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente, Milena Ciccarello Fantagraphics Butch: A HATE Comic by Peter Bagge IDW Sonic Racing CrossWorlds 1 by Iasmin Omar Ata, Thomas Rothlisberger, Mauro Fonseca, Aaron Hammerstrom, Ryan Jampole, Min Ho Kim, Matt Froese, Rik Mack, Natalie Haines, Bracardi Curry, Valentina Pinto Image Marvel Team-Up 14 by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, Dave McCaig Narco 1 by Doug Wagner, Daniel Hillyard, Dave Stewart Mad Cave Exploit 1 by Tim Leong, Laura Hudson, Emiliana Pinna, Rebecca Good Oni Cult of the Lamb: The Last Sacrament Special 1 by Alex Paknadel, Troy Little, Nick Filardi Vault Nectar 1 by Jeremy Robinson, Annapaola Martello, Francesco Francini, Steve Canon OGN Countdown Shy Cat and the Stuff-the-Bus Challenge by Dian Day, Amanda White Squirrel Lock Holmes: The Pet Rock Mystery by Ashley Belote Kanga-U: Lost in a Labyrinth by Sholly Fisch, Yancey Labat Speed Reader Vol 1 by Matthew Cody, Zack Giallongo Cave Grave: Wild West Tales by Shawn Kuruneru Bendy Vol 2: Bendy and the Silver Screams by Dave Scheidt, Alex Arizmendi PAWS Vol 5: The Trouble With Leo by Nathan Fairbairn, Michele Assarasakorn The Greenies by Emma Mills, Sarah Nicole Kennedy Harper Sharp: Kid Detective by Jarrett Williams Lion Hearts by Mira Ori Speak of the Devil by Sweeney Boo TV Starfleet Academy ep7 A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms finale Movies Hoppers Additional Reviews: Joe Fixit Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club Book 5) Sunny Side Down Helluva Boss short News: Navigating With You gets a sequel, new Hickman Spidey comic coming, Mike Richardson out at Dark Horse, new Bishop mini, Flanagan's Exorcist hires Team Flanagan, new Garfield animated series announced, Monsters Inc. sequel incoming, two new original Pixar movies announced, new Batman project from Azzarello and Chiang, Bear s5 will be the final season, King Conan returns Trailers: Lanterns, Kindred Spirits, Digital Circus ep8, Mario 2 Comics Countdown (04 Mar 2026): Nice House By the Sea 8 by James Tynion IV, Alvaro Martinez Bueno Absolute Superman 17 by Jason Aaron, Juan Ferreyra Absolute Flash 12 by Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles, A.L. Kaplan, Adriano Lucas Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rites of Spring 6 by Patrich Horvath Batman 7 by Matt Fraction, Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey DC K.O. 5 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Javi Fernandez, Xermanico, Wes Craig, Alejandro Sanchez Sacrificers 19 by Rick Remender, Andre Lima Araujo, Dave McCaig Narco 1 by Doug Wagner, Daniel Hillyard, Dave Stewart Radiant Black 40 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Marcelo Costa, Paulo Daniel Santos, Rod Fernandes Touched by a Demon 2 by Kristen Gudsnuk
Waldy and Bendy have both been to Italy, but alas not together. They catch up on the newly reinstated Rembrandt, and laments the decline of art history being taught in school. Also, a celebration of International Women's Day with a Waldy vs Bendy on the most underrated woman artist. See the show notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-6-episode-1-new-rembrandt-and-forgotten-women/ Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/unDUhZNNXXk
What's up, Kids! Ink demons, surreal puzzles, and living shadows—this episode dives into three unforgettable indie experiences. We explore the twisted animation horror of Bendy and the Ink Machine, the bizarre mysteries of the Rusty Lake universe, and the emotional puzzle journey of Shady Part of Me.
Waldy and Bendy dive into the beauty of Iranian art, and takes a look at some bad haircuts. See the show notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-25-iranian-art-and-bad-haircuts/ Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/WgCtewQw4_A
Inspired by the fate of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Waldy and Bendy look at artworks of people in power who fell from grace. Also the Tracey Emin exhibition at Tate Modern. See the show notes: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-24-fallen-royals/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/M3pNlr0Z11A
Waldy and Bendy are reunited once again! Bendy catches Waldy up on news from the art world, and they try to find the best apocalyptic horse in art. See show notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode…ear-of-the-horse/ Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/xMfiC2YO7Lw
Bendy has a chat with Susan Owens about her new book Constable's Year. See the show notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode…with-susan-owens/ Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/WuwHC7oHH9E
In another solo adventure, Bendy dives deep into the wonderful world of JMW Turner. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CxMJD9ZFC64 See the show notes: https://zczfilms.com/uncategorised/season-5-episode-2-2/
While Waldy is still away and busy, Bendy enjoys a deep dive into The Wilton Diptych. See the show notes: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode…medieval-mystery/ Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ofcC5qLJHaI
Bendy treats Waldy to a proper deep dive into Holbein's masterpiece The Ambassadors. See the show notes: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/season-5-episode-18-the-ambassadors/ Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6F9_z_HvdXQ
Waldy and Bendy starts the year off right by looking ahead at some of the fabulous shows that are coming up in 2026. Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/OmmOxlxx7BU See the Show Notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-16-new-years-lookahead/
To round off the Christmas season, Waldy and Bendy settle down with questions from listeners. Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/TVx-Hs9nzpQ See the Show Notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode…special-question/
Episode Cancellations and Card Collecting Jefry and Scott discussed the cancellation of "Nostalgia" this week due to scheduling conflicts with predictions and a "Top 11" episode next week. They also talked about the delay of the "WCW Revenge" episode for the Nintendo 64, which will now debut in the week after next. Scott shared his thoughts on the bizarre concept of "rip cards" in baseball card collecting, where a card is destroyed to reveal a smaller, potentially more valuable card inside. They also discussed the recent retirement of John Cena and the high value of his autographed cards, as well as the discovery of a rare Tom Brady card. Wrestling Era and Figure Discussions Jefry and Scott discussed their opinions on the recent era of wrestling, particularly focusing on John Cena's last run. They both agreed it was rushed and poorly executed, with Scott giving it a rating of 2 out of 5. They also talked about the potential for Mattel to create action figures of Jimmy Garvin and Steve Regal. Finally, they briefly mentioned upcoming wrestling events, including WrestleCon in Vegas. WrestleCon Autographs and Collectibles Scott and Jefry discussed the rare autograph signing opportunities with Don Morocco and Kevin Vaughn Eric for WrestleCon, with Jefry considering a day trip to attend. Scott shared his excitement about receiving a blue card Hogan LJN figure, and they discussed the appeal of Dusty Rhodes figures, particularly the polka dot era, with Jefry having a blue card Dusty and Scott considering a black card version. Wrestling Figures and Nostalgia Scott and Jefry discussed Dusty Rhodes' wrestling character and how he embraced a negative gimmick. They then shared their experiences with the new LJN-style wrestling figures, with Scott describing the nostalgic feeling of holding a figure from his childhood in 2025. Scott also read a message from Russell Cartwright who had canceled pre-orders for Hogan and Cena figures after listening to their podcast, and instead found them at retail, which brought back childhood memories. WrestleCon and Upcoming Product Releases Jefry and Scott discussed the rarity of Rick Martell's autograph signings and speculated that Martell's participation in a New York signing could indicate an upcoming announcement for WrestleCon. They then reviewed new products, including a limited-edition Undertaker bobblehead inspired by the Backlash 2008 poster, and discussed Funko's upcoming releases featuring Uncle Howdy, Jesse Ventura, Bray Wyatt, Jey Uso, and two Rhea Ripley variants. Finally, they mentioned that Junk Shop Dog is releasing three different looks for Tanahashi, who is retiring early next month. Wrestling Tag Teams Legacy Debate Scott and Jefry discussed the legacy of various wrestling tag teams, including the Hardys, Dudleys, and Road Warriors, and debated who should be included on a hypothetical "Mount Rushmore" of tag teams. They also talked about Ringside Collectibles' new Joe Hendry figure, which is ready to ship and includes a bass that plays his theme music. Mick Foley's WWE Departure Discussion Scott and Jefry discussed Mick Foley's decision to part ways with WWE due to concerns about the company's relationship with Donald Trump. They admired Foley's ability to stand up for his principles and walk away from the company. The conversation then shifted to new wrestling figures, including Tito Santana in his El Matador gimmick and a highly anticipated Coco Beware figure, which Scott placed on his top 11 list for 2026. Rob Reiner Event and Licensing Jefry and Scott discussed the upcoming Rob Reiner annual event, which will be the first official one and will feature a "Top 11" list. They also talked about action figures, including the inability to use the Superman logo on WWE products due to licensing issues. Scott expressed surprise at learning that Andre's license is no longer with WWE. They briefly discussed the possibility of future DC-WWE mashup figures and the likelihood of John Cena being featured as Peacemaker. Lastly, they mentioned that WWE is open to working with Target and potentially using other LJN lines for future products. LJN Product Line Future Discussion Scott and Jefry discussed the future of the LJN product line, agreeing that it would likely continue for about 4 years before a reevaluation. They emphasized the importance of including a ring and cage as a package deal, as well as releasing tag team sets. They decided against producing thumb wrestlers and stretch wrestlers but expressed interest in potentially creating Bendy figures in a few years if the LJN line remains successful. The conversation concluded with a brief discussion about potential upgrades to wrestling belts, with Steve mentioning that the classic IC title was next on his wishlist for belt upgrades. Wrestling Belt Nostalgia and Upgrades Jefry and Scott discussed the nostalgia and upgrades of wrestling belts from the 1985-1986 era, highlighting significant improvements across major organizations. They expressed hope for the release of the AWA tag team titles, with potential candidates like the Road Warriors or Hall and Henning, though Scott noted limited options for tag champions. They also discussed the possibility of signing legends like Marty Jannetti to future deals, and Jefry confirmed that Barry Wyndham is still under contract, despite no new figures being made since 2010.
Waldy and Bendy get into the festive spirit and dives into the history of Santa Claus. They also each gets to choose a painting for their wall; Waldy goes for a former Abstract Expressionist while Bendy continues the festivities with a nativity. Watch on YouTube here - https://youtu.be/sO07i0dT150 See the show notes here - https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-14-how-art-invented-santa-claus/
Waldy and Bendy look at the recent museum strikes, and celebrate the dodgy anniversary of Indian artist Amrita Sher-Gil. They take a delightful tour through some of their favourite gothic cathedrals. See the show notes here - https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-13/ Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/h0qWooNJjD8
Waldy turns to art to help Bendy face his fears. Bendy catches up on the old master sales, while Waldy has a chat with Xavier Bray about Caravaggio's Cupid. And is Turner or Constable the better artist? Show notes: COMING SOON Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/pf2D5ojb9Mo
Waldy and Bendy discuss the many record sales that have happened in the art world recently. Bendy has a chat with Elizabeth Goldring about her new Holbein book, while Waldy dives into the thrills of Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights. See the show notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-11-auction-records-smashed-bosch-and-holbein/ Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/eqBLVvW1tQM
The day you have all been waiting for: HAVE Tat and Bendy been changed...For Good? Or has Jon M Chu retained his flop status since his first pod review almost 3 years ago? We are here to mention it ALL, honey. If you haven't seen Wicked Part II yet, skip ahead skip ahead!!FOLLOW THE DIVAS!Instagram:@bestfriend_podcast@tdoelg@kend_edwardsTiktok:@ebf_podcast
Waldy and Bendy discuss some places to visit in London if you're a tourist interested in art, and Waldy has a chat with famous ex-forger Shaun Greenhalgh about how he fooled the experts. Also, a new section where Waldy and Bendy teaches us how to identify saints in religious art, starting with Mary Magdalene. See the show notes: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-10-saints-sinners-and-forgers/ Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PIOsoZaI-wc
Waldy and Bendy lament the direction the BBC is heading when it comes to arts programs, and Bendy talks to Andrew Graham-Dixon about his new Vermeer book. The Waldy and Bendy Awards return, looking at the ugliest royal portraits. Show Notes: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-9/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k_wUZtHwVXg
Waldy speaks to Katy Hessel about her new book, and ponders with Bendy on how art can be good for you. Also in a rare treat, Waldy and Bendy gets to meet in person to visit the Joseph Wright of Derby show at The National Gallery. See the show notes here: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-8/ Watch it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/urbWO9jvEYk
Waldy and Bendy go head to head to find the most horrifying artwork for Halloween. They also discuss King Charles III praying with the Pope under Michelangelo's Last Judgement, and celebrate the dodgy anniversary of 1666. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g_miLAM85uM See the show notes: https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-7-doom-death-and-fires/
Waldy and Bendy talk about the Louvre robbery, Waldy's wander around Frieze and Bendy's wander around Rome. Bendy has a chat with Christina J. Faraday about her new book The Story of Tudor Art, while Waldy picks a Manet to hang on his wall. See the show notes here - https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-6-robberies-parties-and-nudes/ Watch it on YouTube here - https://youtu.be/Ge4FxF6yi-A
Waldy and Bendy go head to head to find the best unfinished artwork. Who will come out on top? They also discuss the graffiti exhibition in Canterbury Cathedral, and Bendy updates us on his attempt to get a National Gallery bench for his kitchen, and wants a piece from Westminster Abbey for his wall. See the show notes here - https://zczfilms.com/podcasts/waldy-bendy/season-5-episode-5-is-graffiti-art/ Watch the podcast on Youtube here - https://youtu.be/YyBJaFiKrJA
In honor of Pain Awareness Month, we're excited to share an episode from one of our favorite healthcare podcasts, “Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein.” In this recent interview, Dr. Bluestein sat down with Dr. Zach Spiritos, a neurogastroenterologist, to explore why gastrointestinal problems in hypermobile patients can be so difficult to detect with standard testing (and what patients and providers can do to find better answers and relief). Listen to more episodes of “Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein” wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube. https://link.chtbl.com/bendybodies3 Bendy Bodies, alongside Knock Knock Hi with the Glaucomfleckens, is a proud part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this special bonus episode, Dr. Linda Blustein (Bendy Bodies https://bit.ly/m/BendyBodies) addresses listener questions about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders. 00:00 – Introduction 00:59 – Can PCPs diagnose hEDS without a geneticist? 03:19 – Limitations of the Beighton Score 05:40 – 2017 hEDS criteria & upcoming revisions 10:29 – How to find a knowledgeable provider 12:52 – SVT vs POTS in a patient with EDS family history 19:53 – How to ask your provider if they're comfortable treating dysautonomia 22:17 – MTHFR variants and hEDS 29:23 – Celiac, gluten sensitivity & EDS 31:48 – Food allergy vs sensitivity testing 34:11 – Lipoedema and hypermobility 39:00 – LDN, Ketotifen, and Cromolyn 43:41 – Medication sensitivity in EDS/POTS/MCAS patients 45:47 – Wrap up and resources FIGS Get 15% off your first order at wear figs.com with the code FIGSRX Locumstory Locumstory.com is simply a free, unbiased educational resource about locum tenens Grammarly Download Grammarly for free at Grammarly.com/PODCAST
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