Zebra Talks: Living Your Best Bendy Life

If you have a bendy neck, this one's for you!  For this week's episode of Zebra Talks, Libby has a fascinating conversation with Taylor Goldberg, a chiropractor turned virtual hypermobility coach. Taylor shares a bit about her personal journey with hypermobility and her shift to a virtual coaching model, and then helps us understand all things upper cervical instability (UCI), including its causes, symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and treatment options. UCI affects a whole lot of people with hypermobility, but good news: the most severe cases requiring surgery are quite rare even among us bendy types. Whew!  Taylor unpacks a lot of definitions such as distinguishing between hypermobility and instability (no, they're not the same thing!). She also covers lots of good info about safe exercise practices, and emphasizes why it's so important to avoid certain chiropractic adjustments. The episode also touches on yoga practices for hypermobile individuals and the significance of conservative care in managing UCI. Highlights of this episode include: 00:00 Introduction to Zebra Talks 00:35 Meet Taylor Goldberg: Chiropractor to Hypermobility Coach 01:49 Taylor's Personal Journey with Hypermobility 03:40 Understanding Hypermobility and Instability 06:11 Upper Cervical Instability: Symptoms and Diagnosis 14:42 Managing Upper Cervical Instability 19:01 Activities to Avoid and Chiropractic Cautions 24:12 Challenges in Chiropractic and PT Training 25:23 The Need for Comprehensive Connective Tissue Education 27:02 Creating Realistic Expectations in Recovery 27:49 Step-by-Step Recovery Process 29:39 Exercise Categories and Proprioception 33:46 Managing Upper Cervical Instability 35:01 Yoga and Hypermobility 39:11 Resources and Offerings for Hypermobility 41:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Zebra Talks, Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Lisa Sherman, a licensed acupuncturist with expertise in functional medicine and molecular biology, to discuss digestive issues among people with hypermobility syndromes. They delve into the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems like dysmotility, microbial dysbiosis, and structural droopiness that hypermobile individuals often face. Lisa offers insights on contributing factors such as the autonomic nervous system and mast cell activation, and shares practical advice for lifestyle changes, nutritional strategies, and supplements that can help manage these conditions. The episode highlights the importance of mindful eating, movement practices, and vagus nerve activation for improving gut health in hypermobile individuals.   Highlights of this episode include: 00:35 Meet Lisa Sherman: Expert on Bendy Bellies 01:39 Understanding Digestive Issues in Hypermobile People 02:56 Prevalence and Impact of GI Issues 04:00 Common GI Conditions in the Bendy Population 07:03 Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDS) 08:54 The Role of the Nervous System in Digestion 11:14 Hypermobile Gut and Hypomotility 18:19 Testing and Treating Gut Motility Issues 28:54 The Bendy, Itchy, and Dizzy Trifecta 37:57 Understanding Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders 39:24 Practical Tips for Gut Health 43:44 The Importance of Protein and Collagen 49:15 Navigating Histamine and FODMAPs 56:47 Supplements and Prokinetics 01:04:15 Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Lifestyle Changes 01:08:53 Research and Future Directions 01:10:25 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of Zebra Talks, Libby welcomes biomechanics expert Jules Mitchell to discuss the science of stretching and connective tissue behavior, particularly in the context of hypermobility syndromes. Jules provides insights from her extensive research and professional experience, addressing common misconceptions about stretching, the adaptive capabilities of connective tissue, and how people with hypermobility can safely engage in physical activities. The discussion includes the impact of mechanical tension on tissue adaptation, the importance of understanding individual responses to stretching, and the role of exercise science in improving joint stability and resilience. Jules, who is also the author of 'Yoga Biomechanics Stretching Redefined' and an educator of yoga teachers worldwide, shares valuable perspectives on the interplay between biomechanics and yoga practices, offering practical advice for both practitioners and instructors. 00:35 Meet Jules Mitchell: Yoga Biomechanics Expert 02:18 Jules' Journey into Stretching Research 04:55 Understanding Connective Tissue and Hypermobility 12:46 The Science of Stretching and Tissue Adaptation 18:37 Practical Advice for Bendy People 40:22 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this Zebra Talks episode, host Dr. Libby Hinsley interviews Alanna Trzcinski, host of the Endo Battery Podcast and president of EndoVillage. The episode delves into Alanna's journey with endometriosis, advocacy work, and the surprising intersections with hypermobility syndromes. Alanna sheds light on the challenges of living with both conditions, the importance of excision surgery for endometriosis, and the nuanced nature of these overlapping chronic illnesses. The two discuss the critical role of multidisciplinary care, the need for increased research, and the psychological aspects of managing chronic pain. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complexity of these conditions and the importance of informed, holistic care. Highlights of this episode include:  00:35 Meet Alanna Trzcinski: Advocate for Endometriosis Awareness 02:24 Alana's Personal Journey with Endometriosis 05:21 Understanding Endometriosis: Definitions and Misconceptions 07:25 The Overlap Between Endometriosis and Hypermobility Syndromes 11:33 Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating Endometriosis 15:18 Effective Management and Treatment Options 18:54 The Importance of Multidisciplinary Care 24:54 Surgical Treatments: Excision vs. Ablation 31:20 Living with Endometriosis and Hypermobility 34:08 Advocacy and Future Research 40:39 Final Thoughts and Resources

This episode of Zebra Talks features a discussion with Naomi Bauer, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with personal and professional experience in treating dysautonomia and Long COVID. Hosted by Dr. Libby Hinsley, they explore the challenges and management strategies for those living with hypermobility syndromes, focusing on the overlap between long COVID, dysautonomia, and hypermobility. Naomi shares her journey from a healthcare professional to a patient after developing long COVID dysautonomia herself and highlights the importance of understanding personal energy management through pacing and the 50 percent rule. The conversation also addresses potential underlying connections between hypermobility and the increased risk of developing long COVID, emphasizing the significance of social support, proactive resting, and setting boundaries for energy use.  Highlights of this episode include: 00:32 Meet Naomi Bauer: A Journey from PT to Long COVID Survivor 01:42 Exploring the Intersection of Long COVID and Hypermobility Syndromes 01:56 Naomi's Personal Battle with Long COVID and Suspected Hypermobility 05:55 The Complex World of Dysautonomia: From POTS to Long COVID 14:28 The Link Between Hypermobility Syndromes and Long COVID 23:47 Managing Long COVID and Hypermobility: Strategies for Recovery 41:24 Concluding Thoughts and Finding Support