93. Unveiling Taming the Zebra: A Discussion with Physical Therapists Patricia Stott and Heather Purdin

Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein

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 various body systems and provides practical tips for modifying physical therapy approaches. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing primary issues and understanding the complexity of each individual's presentation. The chapters cover topics such as modifying movement for gentle exercise, addressing deconditioning and weakness, building confidence and safe strengthening programs, finding physical therapists open to working with EDS patients, expanding the toolkit for physical therapy, and more.

Takeaways

• The book 'Taming the Zebra' fills a void in understanding and provides physical therapists with the knowledge to effectively work with patients with HSD and EDS.
• The book emphasizes the importance of addressing primary issues and understanding the individualized nature of each patient's presentation.
• A collaborative approach between therapists and patients is essential in managing overlapping problems and setbacks. Modifying movement can allow individuals with HSD and EDS to engage in gentle exercise and maintain movement despite physical limitations.
• Deconditioning and weakness are common issues for individuals with HSD and EDS, and addressing these problems requires a comprehensive approach that considers the underlying causes and individual goals.
• Physical therapists should approach treatment with intention, focusing on building confidence and creating safe strengthening programs tailored to the individual's needs.
• Expanding the toolkit of physical therapy techniques, such as neural rehabilitation and manual therapies, can improve outcomes for individuals with HSD and EDS.

Chapters ➡

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:58 Motivation for Writing the Book

03:28 Challenges in Managing EDS and HSD

06:08 Different Types of Hypermobility and Connective Tissue Disorders

07:35 Approaching Physical Therapy for EDS and HSD

09:21 Primary Treatment Approach and Identifying Key Issues

21:04 Approaching Physical Therapy with Overlapping Problems

22:48 Non-Linear Path of Physical Therapy

31:01 Modifying Movement for Gentle Exercise

31:21 Addressing Deconditioning and Weakness

35:13 Neural Rehabilitation and Muscle Firing

36:09 Steps to Successful Strengthening

40:18 Expanding the Toolkit for Physical Therapy

43:13 Approaching Stabilization and Alignment

56:32 Hypermobility Hacks

Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.

Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.

Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.

YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓

Resources:

Virtual book event sign up

https://www.tamingthezebra.org

http://www.elevationwellness.co/

www.goodhealthphysicaltherapy.com/clinic-staff/

www.medbridge.com/heather-purdin-physical-therapy

https://www.olagrimsby.com/courses-page/

https://www.naiomt.com

https://feldenkrais.com

https://counterstrain.com

https://frequencyspecific.com

https://pt.wustl.edu/education/movement-system-impairment-syndromes-courses/where-in-the-world-is-shirley-sahrmann/

#ZebraWarriors #ZebraStrong #HSD #PhysicalTherapy #EhlersDanlos #Podcast #TamingTheZebra

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