Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, sits down with Emily Rich, an occupational therapist specializing in POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, and other chronic conditions. Emily, who is also a patient with hypermobile EDS and POTS, shares her insights on how occupational therapy can help individuals regain co...

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Kaitlin Touza, a renowned pain psychologist. Dr. Touza delves into the complexities of chronic pain, explaining how the nervous system, brain processes, and psychological factors contribute to pain experiences. She discusses multiple different pain management tec...

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, hosts an enlightening discussion with Dr. Karen Herbst, a leading expert on lipedema and other adipose connective tissue diseases. Dr. Herbst shares her extensive knowledge on the complexities of lipedema, Dercum's disease, and their connection to connective tissue disorders, inflammation, and hormonal factors....

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, delves into the intricate connections between the immune system and hypermobility disorders with Dr. Kara Wada. A quadruple board-certified physician and Sjogren's patient, Dr. Wada shares her expertise on mast cell activation syndrome, autoimmunity, and the role of inflammation. Discover holistic approaches to managing these conditions a...

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, hosts a captivating conversation with Lara Bloom, President and CEO of the Ehlers-Danlos Society. Lara shares her journey in advocating for rare diseases, the progress made in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and the upcoming updates in diagnostic criteria. Tune in to learn about the challenges, su...

Welcome back, every Bendy Body! In this special episode, I wrap up season four and share exciting plans for season five. Join me as I reflect on our journey, from focusing on high-risk populations like dancers and gymnasts to diving deep into medical topics. Listen in for gratitude-filled shoutouts from our wonderful listeners as I read their heartwarming reviews! See you soon for Season 5! Connec...

In this conversation, Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Ashok Gupta about his experience breaking the vicious cycle of chronic illness when he had ME-CFS. They discuss the impact of chronic conditions, the brain's priority of survival, and the vicious cycle of symptoms. Ashok explains the Gupta Program, which aims to make patients aware of subtle danger signals in the brain and retrain the brain's re...

Dr. Linda Bluestein celebrates 100 episodes of Bendy Bodies discussing the most rewarding part of hosting the podcast and the challenges of podcasting. She emphasizes the importance of balancing the complexity of EDS and the need for healthcare professionals to understand and empathize with the struggles of patients with hypermobility conditions. Dr. Bluestein discusses the symptom burden experien...

Summer Dashe, a former news anchor and advocate for the chronically ill, shares her POTS and EDS journey. She covers how she manages her symptoms in everyday life and the challenges of getting diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome). #dysautonomia #ChronicIllness #POTSAwareness  Takeaways Getting a POTS diagnosis can be challenging, and it o...

Summary Dr. Tania Dempsey discusses mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) with a focus on environmental triggers of mast cell disease.  Takeaways Infections can trigger mast cell reactions and people with MCAS may react differently than those without. Identifying and addressing environmental triggers, such as mold and plastics, is important in managing MCAS.  Immunotherapy for allergies and asthma...

In this special “EDS Awareness Month” episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, founder Dr. Linda Bluestein and guest host Kate Colbert discuss how everyone can learn to spot the signs of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. Dr. Bluestein emphasizes the importance of EDS awareness, as many people are still not getting the evaluations and care they need. She also debunks several myths about EDS, including the misco...

In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Pierotti discusses coping with dance injuries and transitions, both from a physical and psychological perspective. She explains that the way dancers appraise their injuries and their emotional response to them can greatly impact their coping mechanisms. Dr. Pierotti emphasizes the importance of shifting the mindset from seeing an injury as a disaster to viewing it as a...

Dr. Heather Tick, a renowned pain expert, discusses non-drug therapies for pain relief; applying the principles of integrative medicine for comprehensive pain care. She emphasizes the need for education and understanding of pain neuroscience to empower patients. Dr. Tick also highlights the significance of nutrition in reducing chronic pain and inflammation. Additionally, she explores various moda...

In this Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD podcast, Susan Chalela, MPT discusses support and bracing for hypermobile joints. She shares how her personal and professional experience with joint hypermobility led her to develop the Finding Functional Foundations approach which is being taught as part of The Ehlers-Danlos Society EDS ECHO program. She emphasizes the importance of proper alignment...

This episode centers around unveiling 'Taming the Zebra', a book co-authored by physical therapists, Dr. Patty Stott and Heather Purdin.  The book aims to fill a void in understanding and provide therapists with the knowledge to effectively work with patients with hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). It covers the impact of connective tissue disorders on variou...

In this Bendy Bodies podcast episode, Dr. Lillian Holm discusses effective physical therapy for EDS and HSD and the importance of correcting function to achieve pain relief and tolerance for exercise. She explains why physical therapy may not always lead to the expected outcome, emphasizing the need for specialized therapists and individualized treatment. She addresses common misconceptions about...

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein and Corinne McLees discuss hand problems in EDS including pain, weakness, and injuries.  This conversation covers various topics related to hand problems, including ring splints, hand exercises, avoiding strain and hyperextension, tips for traveling, challenges of the medical system for chronic pain, hand pain with writing, hand pain and numbness in sleep, thum...

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Dr. Ilene Ruhoy about causes of brain fog, as well as its relationship to various conditions such as mast cell activation syndrome, craniocervical instability, dysautonomia, and CSF leaks. She explains how these conditions contribute to cognitive dysfunction and the importance of identifying underlying causes. Dr. Ruhoy emphasizes the need for a comp...

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Dr. Roger Seheult about the importance of sleep for people with chronic illness, chronic pain, and joint hypermobility.  Dr Seheult, a quadruple board-certified physician with expertise in sleep medicine, discusses various topics related to sleep, including the circadian rhythm, the impact of light on sleep, the effect of blue light on sleep, ideal b...

In this episode, Professor Tiffany Lee is interviewed about service dogs and disability rights and accommodations. They discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act, the definition of disability, and disability benefits. They also explore reasonable accommodations in the workplace and education settings, as well as the challenges and advocacy involved. The conversation covers topics such as disclos...

In this episode, psychologist Josh Spell discusses disordered eating in dance. Josh shares insights into the coping mechanisms behind eating disorders and offers advice for directors, teachers, and friends who suspect someone may be struggling with an eating disorder.  YOUR host, as always, is Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD. YOUR guest co-host is Jennifer Milner, former professional bal...

In this episode, psychologist Dr. Amanda Cassil discusses the unfair EDS journey (Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes) and provides strategies for effectively communicating with healthcare providers.  Dr. Cassil provides valuable insights and tools for navigating the healthcare system and improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic illnesses. In this conversation, Dr. Amanda Cassil and Linda Bl...

In this Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD podcast episode, making a MCAS documentary is discussed.  Distinguished participants in this collaborative effort include Dr. Leonard Weinstock, Dr. Larry Afrin, Dr. Tania Dempsey, Dr. Laurence Kinsella, and Dr. Linda Bluestein, alongside dedicated patient advocate Jill Brook.    YOUR host, as always, is Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD. Key...

In this episode, join thoracic surgeon and chest wall reconstruction expert Adam Hansen, MD, to learn about slipping rib surgery in EDS.  Well known for his innovative surgeries for slipping rib syndrome (SRS), Dr Hansen has treated close to 1000 SRS patients.  Many of his patients are challenged with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and other skeletal hypermobility disorders.   YOUR host, as always, is Dr....

In this episode, YOUR guest is Jill Miller, author of the book 'Body by Breath: The Science and Practice of Physical and Emotional Resilience.'  Jill has 30 years of corrective movement expertise that forges links between the worlds of yoga, massage, athletics, and pain management. Her signature self-care fitness programs, Yoga Tune Up® and The Roll Model® are found at gyms, yoga studios, hospital...