Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD

Living with a chronic illness like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can be demoralizing. You may not have access to the care you need, loved ones do not get it, and loneliness can be a reality for so many people.

Gigi Robinson was diagnosed with EDS at 11 years old, and one of the lucky ones to receive support and care from a very early age. Even so, heading off to college and needing to advocate for herself was a difficult transition. As she moved into adulthood, her natural passion for learning turned into a desire to help others who experience some of the same issues. She quickly became an outspoken advocate for Gen Z in particular, but for anyone struggling with chronic illness, body image issues, and more.  She used her platform as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model to shine light on EDS and body dysmorphia. Now a successful podcast host and powerful social influencer, Gigi speaks around the globe on these topics, educating and encouraging people.

Bendy Bodies recently caught up with Gigi and chatted about her life as an advocate with a chronic illness.

Gigi shares her early experiences with EDS, her diagnosis, and how she learned to advocate for herself in a school setting. Gigi opens up about being a swimsuit model while advocating for body positivity, and describes her passion for speaking up for Gen Z.

Gigi dives into her mental health advocacy, reveals her tips for pacing herself in her daily life, and offers advice to caregivers of people with chronic illnesses, as well as encouragement to those struggling with a chronic illness.

An inspiring and uplifting story of positivity and encouragement, Gigi’s conversation is sure to inspire others to look within themselves for strength and ways to shine their own lights for others.

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#ChronicIllness #Advocate #hEDS #EhlersDanlos #MentalHealth #BodyImage #DisabledModel #BodyDysmorphia #Hypermobility #RepresentationMatters #BodyPositivity #GenZ #InclusiveFashion #AbilityNotDisability

Headaches and migraines are common in many chronic illnesses, and people with hypermobility often struggle with chronic head pain for a variety of reasons. But what is the difference between migraine and other types of headache? How do you get properly evaluated?  What are the best treatments?

Bendy Bodies spoke with neuro-ophthalmologist Rudrani Banik, MD in an effort to understand this complex topic. A fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist certified in functional medicine, Dr. Banik specializes in headaches and migraines and has worked with many patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and other connective tissue disorders.

Dr. Banik describes how she integrates her vast training to evaluate and treat her patients. She explains the difference between headache and migraine, and shares the criteria for a migraine diagnosis.

Dr. Banik talks through common causes of tension headaches as well as triggers for migraines, and suggests steps that are often helpful for migraines. She offers tips on how to get proper care, talking through her pharmacologic and nutritional supplement approaches.  She reveals common lifestyle choices that may greatly impact headaches and migraines covering conditions like idiopathic intracranial hypertension, CSF leak, Chiari malformation as well as vestibular, ocular, and abdominal migraine.

For doctors, physical therapists, and anyone suffering from chronic head pain, this episode contains lots of concrete tips and suggestions for finding a path to relief.

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#Headaches #Migraine #hEDS #ConnectiveTissueDisorder #JointHypermobility #ChronicIllness #MigraineRelief #ChronicPainAwareness #HeadacheRelief #MigraineNutrition #Neuro #Diagnosis

For most artistic athletes, competition is a part of life. Whether you’re a dancer, skater, gymnast, or cheerleader chances are you’re competing at some point.

Competitions can be grueling, multi-day events consisting of 14-hour days, multiple performances, and little access to fresh whole foods. So how do you prepare for a competition, and what can you do during the event to make sure you are at the top of your game and come out of it injury-free?

We decided to approach this topic from a multi-disciplinary angle, so Jennifer, Dr. Bluestein, and resident Bendy Bodies nutrition expert, Kristin Koskinen, all sat down for a round table discussion on this important topic.

We talk through a timeline of preparation before the big event, and ways to make sure you’re heading into your competition as healthy and prepared as possible. Nutrition, training, sleep, and more are discussed as we sketch out the ways to make the most of your preparation time.

Kristin offers practical advice on ways to fuel healthily during the competition, often without access to refrigerators or even a true meal break. Dr. Bluestein shares ways to be prepared for any issues that might come up physically, and Jennifer reveals her top competition-day tips.

Finally, we look at the importance of recovering after a competition. How we replenish our body’s nutrients, ways to approach constructive rest and gradual return to training, and more are shared as we offer ways to be the healthiest competitive artist you can be.

Share this with parents of young artistic athletes, bookmark for yourself as a competitor, and pass it on to studio owners, coaches, physical therapists, and more!

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#CompetitionDay #PreparingForCompetitions #Nutrition #NutritionalTips #HealthyFoodAdvice #Nutrients #NutritionEducation #Sleep #SleepTips #SleepHealth #TrainingAdvice #TrainingDay

As the weather changes and schedules become busier, staying healthy can feel like a huge challenge. Artistic athletes may struggle to keep their bodies at optimal performance level, and fighting off infectious illnesses may seem like an uphill battle.

How can we naturally strengthen our immune system, supporting its function for optimum success? We posed this question to Kristin Koskinen, RDN and Bendy Bodies team member, in this episode.

Kristin shares why dancers and other performing artists with hypermobility and/or a connective tissue disorder like the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes should care about immunity and nutrition in general. She explains how the foods we eat impact our immune system, and how investing efforts to fuel well now can have a big impact on our health down the road.

Kristin walks us through her process for building a healthy, supportive diet for her clients, talking through her suggestions for planning wide varieties of foods, as well as efficient shortcuts when time is an issue.  She discusses the possible effects of sugar on the immune system, and how to deal with the emotional component of foods during the holidays.

Kristen looks at the impact of alcohol on the immune system and talks about the microbiome’s role. She shares her expert view on nutritional supplements including probiotics, and offers lots of encouraging tips for managing busy seasons while striving for healthy nutrition.

This episode breaks down what can be a stressful and complicated subject in encouraging and manageable ways for all bendy bodies.

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#JenniferMilner #HypermobilityMD #Bendy #BendyBuddy #Immunity #Bloating #DietitiansOfIG #Glucose #Gut #Supplement #ChronicDisease #ChronicIllness #InvisibleDisability #Infection #AlwaysOptimal #AutoImmune #NutritionForDancers #DanceNutrition #OptimalNutrition #NutrientDeficiencies

As a young dancer, Jazz Bynum enjoyed the benefits of being “bendy”.   Later, she experienced more than her fair share of injuries but it wasn’t clear how these could be connected. A diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) gave Jazz the information necessary to build the resiliency and strength she needs as a professional dancer with Ballet West.

Jazz chats with Bendy Bodies about navigating her dance career while addressing her body’s unique needs with hEDS. Jazz discusses her diagnosis and what led her to seek one, and shares how her diagnosis changed how she seeks treatment.

Jazz speaks openly about her decision to reveal her hEDS publicly, documenting her latest injury and nearly year-long recovery process on social media. She shares her maintenance routine outside of dance, and the lessons she’s learned about her body and her hEDS during her rehabilitation. Finally, Jazz encourages other dancers on their own journeys, addressing the importance of finding people who will support and advocate for you.

An inspiring story of cultivating your own resilience through injuries, this podcast is full of encouragement and motivation for everyone struggling to move forward in spite of obstacles.

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#BendyBuddy #Bendy #EhlersDanlos #Dancer #ZebraStrong  #ChronicIllness  #spoonie #Zebra  #Disease #ArtisticAthlete #Disability #EDS #JointStability

#Bendy #hypermobile #HypermobilitySpectrum

#BendyBallerina #BendyBallet #Ballet #Movement

As a physical therapist for circus artists and dancers, Dr. Jen Crane regularly treats artistic athletes with hypermobility.

As a circus artist and former dancer who is also diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Jen Crane intimately understands the struggles of these athletes.

How does a hypermobile artist use that hypermobility to its full advantage - the long, gorgeous, bendy lines and movement patterns - while still remaining healthy and not pressing the body beyond its limits?

Dr. Crane discusses this tightrope walk with Bendy Bodies.

She shares her own diagnosis journey as an artist and a medical professional. She discusses how she helps artistic athletes reconcile ther connective tissue disorders with their need to push their bodies to the limits.  And she talks about training in a healthy way.

Dr. Crane covers how she assists artists with their personal risk vs benefit analysis, and examines predictive variables she may see in people who might have a more successful career. She reflects on the sacrifices artists might need to make, and shares what it’s like to have the hard conversations with artists pushing themselves too much.

Dr. Crane discusses the importance of finding a coach or healthcare provider who understands hypermobility, and how to find one. She breaks down current trends she sees in the medical world with hypermobility, and advocates for people to do what they love to do while taking care of their physical health.

For anyone who works with hypermobile artistic athletes,or for any hypermobile artist who wonders how to find that safe boundary for themselves.

#Podcast #Contortion #FlexibilityTraining #Bendy #CircusLife #CircusEveryDamnDay #CircusCircus #CircusInspiration #Aerial #Aerialist #AerialistOfIG

#Ballet #BalletDancer #BalletLife #DancersLife #DanceLife #DancersWorld #ZebraStrong

#BendyBack #BendyFeet #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #hEDS #Hypermobility #HypermobilitySpectrumDisorder

#hEDS #EhlersDanlos #EhlersDanlosAthlete #EhlersDanlosSyndromeAwarenessMonth #BalletWhisperer #HypermobilityMD

As an elite ballet dancer, Bonnie Moore Southgate danced as a soloist first with American Ballet Theatre, then with the Royal Ballet. Struggling with injuries and pain for years, Bonnie retired from dance and eventually was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Her journey to find treatments and pain relief led to her second career as a neurokinetic therapist, massage therapist, and Pilates trainer.

Bonnie specializes in working with hypermobility as well as elite athletes, and she sat down to share her dance experience with Bendy Bodies.

Bonnie shares her amazing story of dancing through a brilliant career, starting with winning the Prix de Lausanne, being invited to work with Mikhail Baryshnikov at ABT, and working her way to soloist at the Royal Ballet.  She is open about her injuries throughout her career, and how they shaped the choices she made during rehearsals and performance opportunities.

Bonnie discusses how her EDS manifested itself while she was still a young dancer, her reasons for seeking an EDS diagnosis and how it shaped her choices. She shares her first steps into Pilates and injury rehabilitation when dance medicine was still in its infancy, and why she trained as a Pilates instructor before becoming a sports and corrective exercise specialist.  She also discusses her experience with cranial sacral therapy.

Finally, Bonnie looks at how far dance medicine has come in supporting dancer health and career longevity, and shares what she wants teachers and choreographers to know about working with dancers with EDS or hypermobility disorders.

#ehlersdanlos #balletwhisperer #hypermobiledancers #zebrastrong #podcast #hypermobilitymd #dancer #hsd #bendy #ballet #balletdancer #keepmoving #hyperextension #hypermobility #dance #jennifermilner #dancelife #arabesque #balletteacher #ballerina #technique #pointe #pointework #balletlife

Hypermobility can help the artist create aesthetically pleasing lines with one of the most obvious locations involving the foot.

And while many artists envy the banana feet that sometimes accompany excessive ranges of motion, having hypermobile feet and ankles can just as often bring complications.

Andrea Zujko, a physical therapist who works regularly with dancers from New York City Ballet and from all over the world, takes the opportunity to chat with Bendy Bodies about some of the common difficulties that flexible feet may face.

Andrea discusses ankle sprains, and why they may need more recovery time than you might think. She explains the importance of an ankle bone called the talus and shares wisdom on maintaining its healthy range of motion.

Andrea looks at stress fractures and how they can occur in artistic athletes, and explains the importance of evaluating the entire body when addressing foot and ankle problems. We discuss bunions in bendy feet, and Andrea shares secrets for working with bunions.

Finally, Andrea discusses common tendon issues seen in hypermobile artists, the importance of strength conditioning, and techniques for controlled stretching.

Proving that a small area can have a big effect on the rest of the body, this discussion is one to be listened to several times over.

#ankle #Ballet #DancerFeet #BalletFeet #BalletDancer #HypermobileFeet #DanceTraining #DancersOfInsta #BalletTeacher #DanceInjuries #BalletLife #hypermobility #hypermobiledisorders #hypermobilitymd #BendyBodies #bendybodiespodcast #hypermobilitydisorders #bodiesinmotion #JenniferMilner

Evidence shows that neurodivergency occurs at a higher rate amongst people with hypermobility disorders.  And we know that anxiety is also prevalent in the hypermobile population. When we look at neurodivergency, hypermobility, anxiety, and dysautonomia, we see hints of lines drawn between them.  Might science soon be able to connect the dots?

Jessica Eccles, senior clinical academic psychiatrist at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, and specialist in brain-body neuroscience, returns to speak with Bendy Bodies about neurodivergency, hypermobility, and possible links with anxiety and the autonomic nervous system.

In February 2022, Dr. Eccles published the peer reviewed journal article,  "Joint hypermobility links neurodivergence to dysautonomia and pain".  She discusses the fascinating results of her research, and explains why neurodivergency, dysautonomia, and pain appear to be connected via joint hypermobility.

Dr. Eccles shares her findings of higher levels of musculoskeletal symptoms in the study’s neurodivergent population vs the comparison group, and wonders if this may be a potential reason why people with neurodivergency experience more health symptoms.

She explains the importance of raising awareness of the link between joint hypermobility and neurodivergency in the medical community, and discusses how anxiety is linked to joint hypermobility and possibly autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Dr. Eccles shares her work on the ADAPT program, a program aimed at reducing anxiety with a combined brain-body approach in hypermobile people. Still in its early stages, the program (Altering Dynamics of Autonomic Processing Therapy) has fascinating implications.

Finally, Dr. Eccles reveals her current research projects and shares her hopes for future research.

An incredible, accessible discussion by one of the top researchers in this field, this is an episode not to be missed.

#neurodivergency #BendyBrain #dysautonomia #AutonomicNervousSystem #anxiety #ActuallyAutistic #adhd #ADHDAwareness #ASD #AutisticPride #DisabilityInclusion #RedInstead #AutismAcceptance #AutismAwareness #neurodivergent #AutisticAdults #neurodiversity #autistic #autism #BendyBodies #BendyBodiesPodcast #JenniferMilner #ZebraStrong #hypermobility #HypermobilityDisorders

People with hypermobility often struggle with fatigue.  They want more energy, and know that exercise and adequate sleep can help. But what is the role of nutrition in combating fatigue?

Bendy Bodies team member, Kristin Koskinen, RDN, chats with us on how what we eat can influence how we feel. She explores the role nutrition can play in fatigue, and how executive function may contribute to nutritional deficits.

Kristin discusses how to “control what you can control”, and reveals tips on how to get the most out of every mealtime. She looks at the role of sugar as both a necessary fuel and a possible contributor to fatigue, and explores the possible consequences of restrictive or fad diets on energy levels.

Kristin highlights the importance of zinc, B vitamins, and folic acid in supporting a body’s energy levels. She offers ways to figure out what foods might be contributing to fatigue, and shares what role vitamins and supplements may play in fatigue.

Kristin breaks down the difference between stimulants and fuel, and how caffeine may actually end up working against you. Finally, Kristin gives guidance on how to find a nutrition specialist to help you on your own food journey.

For anyone struggling with fatigue, this episode is packed with great advice.

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#DanceNutrition #NutritionForDancers #dietitian #FoodRules #NutritionCoach #RDN #DietitianApproved #DietitiansOfInstagram

#AntiinflammatoryDiet #ChronicFatigue #ChronicIllness #hypermobility #NourishYourBody

#KristinKoskinenRDN #HypermobilityMD #JenniferMilner

Fatigue is common in people with chronic disease. Pain, fatigue, and depression can feed into each other and become a vicious cycle that’s difficult to break. Combating fatigue can be particularly difficult for those with bendy bodies and comorbidities.

Alan Pocinki, MD, specialist in hypermobility and related autonomic and sleep disorders, speaks with Bendy Bodies on this complicated subject.

Dr. Pocinki shares his “eureka” moment in linking the chronic fatigue syndrome population with the hypermobile population. He defines fatigue and how it’s different from sleepiness, and describes the underlying causes of fatigue in hypermobility spectrum disorders, outlining the way an overactive sympathetic nervous system can mimic a panic attack.

Dr. Pocinki explains how autonomic dysfunction can be both the cause and effect of fatigue, and the role of sleep continuity. He discusses the concept of budgeting your energy and explores the role of anxiety in hypermobility spectrum disorders. Dr. Pocinki describes his approach to treating patients with fatigue, reveals the role hormones may play in fatigue, and shares his hopes for future research in fatigue and hypermobility.

You will not want to miss this episode if you are struggling with fatigue or are a medical professional looking to better serve your hypermobile population.

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#fatigue #ButYouDontLookSick #ChronicIllness #Hypermobility #EhlersDanlosSyndromes #EhlersDanlos #SleepDisorder #dysautonomia #AutonomicDysfunction #anxiety

#BendyBodies #BendyBodiesPodcast #JenniferMilner #HypermobilityMD

Hypermobility disorders can be difficult to diagnose, with no one clear path forward. Without an obvious road to walk, people with chronic pain who suspect hypermobility disorders may feel defeated and overwhelmed, struggling to find the help they need.

In this episode, Bendy Bodies founder Linda Bluestein, MD opens up about her own journey getting an EDS diagnosis and starting her work as a hypermobility specialist.

Dr. Bluestein breaks down the different types of connective tissue disorders and how they might be diagnosed. She discusses reasons medical professionals might encourage someone to seek a diagnosis, and theorizes on why they might discourage it.

She gives advice on where to start this journey, and discusses the importance of having even just one medical professional in your corner. As well, she suggests types of specialists who might have knowledge of connective tissue disorders, and outlines steps people can take to prepare for a doctor’s visit.

Dr. Bluestein offers compassionate advice to people who hear “no” a lot, and cautions against confirmation bias. She busts some harmful myths around connective tissue diagnoses and reveals some of the pitfalls a person might encounter in their pursuit of a diagnosis.

Full of advice from a medical expert in hypermobility, this is an episode for anyone feeling defeated or looking to confirm a diagnosis.

#ButYouDontLookSick #ChronicPain #bendybodies #BendyBodiesPodcast #ehlersdanlossyndrome #ConnectiveTissue #ZebraStrong #collagen #diagnosis #physiciansofinstagram #EhlersDanlos #hypermobility  #hypermobilitymd #bodiesinmotion

What is overstretching, and why should we talk about it?

As the artistic world seems to demand ever more extreme ranges of motion from its dancers and athletes, many people turn to overstretching  as a way to stay competitive, forcing an artificial hypermobility in some joints.

Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Bendy Bodies’ own Jennifer Milner, NCPT, on the subject of overstretching and forced hypermobility. Jennifer discusses why a joint might be hypermobile, and what issues she sees in the hypermobile population versus the non-hypermobile population.

Jennifer explores overstretching, how it affects the body, and some issues that may arise because of it. She explains the difference between dynamic and static stretching, and when each type may be appropriate.

Jennifer looks at the practice of overstretching in dance studios and shares alternatives to overstretching for achieving flexibility in a healthy way.

Finally, Jennifer offers suggestions on how to find resources to help you increase your flexibility safely, both online and in person, and confides what she wishes every dancer knew about flexibility.

Whether you are an artist, a parent, a studio owner, or a health practitioner, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Full of helpful advice and practical tips!

#flexibility #flexible #ballet #ballerina #stretching #stretch #pointe #splits #pointeshoes #bendy #balletdancer #gymnast #gymnastics #instadance #instaballet #backbend #worldwideballet #dancer #contortion #poledance #oversplits #overstretching #split #acrobatics #zebra #hypermobilitymd #bendybodies #JenniferMilner #balletwhisperer

Chronic illness can make your life feel filled with insurmountable obstacles. Pursuing your dreams, even in the face of health issues, may feel hopeless. But moving forward, even in small increments, you can accomplish great things.

Just ask gold medalist Allysa Seely.

Allysa grew up as a dancer and competitive athlete before health issues tried to sideline her. She spent three years advocating for herself as a teen and young adult, fighting to be listened to, before finally being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Chiari Malformation, Basilar Invagination, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and more.

Allysa refused to let her diagnoses define her, and has become a two-time gold-medal winning paratriathlete at the 2016 and 2020 Paralympics. She shares how she’s been able to compete at such a high level with multiple chronic illnesses, and opens up about her hard journey in college to get a diagnosis.

Allysa confides that she used all her “you can’t”s as fuel to move her forward in pursuit of her dream. She discusses her difficult decision about her amputation, and shares her tips for getting through hard days.

Allysa’s story, and how she turned challenge into triumph in her life, is inspiring and encouraging for everyone living with chronic illness. As Allysa shows, there really are no limits. An inspiring and encouraging interview for anyone struggling with limitations or hardship.

#TriAllysa #paraolympics #USAparatriathalon #triathalon #paratriathlete #amputation #EhlersDanlossyndromes #EhlersDanlos #ChiariMalformation #Chiari #POTS  #bendybodies #bendybodiespodcast #hypermobilitymd #JenniferMilner

Navigating medical care can be a daunting task at the best of times, but when you have a chronic disorder that is largely an invisible illness, you may find yourself bewildered and frustrated trying to get the care you need. Often, a diagnosis like Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorder can come with co-morbidities such as POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome), MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament syndrome), MCAS (Mast Cell Activation syndrome), and more.

And with multiple diagnoses comes multiple doctors’ visits.

Bendy Bodies chats with our own wellness ambassador, Aidan Leslie, a retired dancer who has been living with an hEDS diagnosis for the past five years and spending her fair share of time in doctors’ offices.

Aidan opens up about the bumpy road of her own health journey. She talks about hitting the “EDS wall” and fighting to take control of her life back. Aidan speaks frankly about her experience navigating the medical world, both as a minor and as someone with an invisible illness.  Aidan offers tips on how to prepare for medical appointments and suggestions for “how to push back against the push-back”.

And just as Aidan is willing to share her side of the medical experience, Bendy Bodies founder Dr. Linda Bluestein joins in to give advice from her side of the stethoscope.

Dr. Bluestein describes a medical one-sheet and how to build one for your medical care, and shares what she wants teen patients specifically to know about advocating for your own health. Dr. Bluestein discusses options you might have if you feel unseen or unheard in an appointment, and suggests ways to connect with a doctor during an appointment.

Filled with excellent insight from both sides of the prescription pad, this episode is one you’ll want to listen to with a notepad handy.

#spoonie #chronicillness #ehlersdanlossyndrome #ehlersdanlos #hypermobility #chronicpain #pots #heds #ehlersdanlossyndromes #mcas #invisibleillness #hypermobilitysyndrome  #hypermobilityspectrumdisorders  #zebrastrong  #bendybodies #BendyBodiesPodcast #JenniferMilner #balletwhisperer #hypermobilitymd

Do you live with a hypermobility disorder?

Whether you have a connective tissue disorder like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome, or a hypermobility spectrum disorder, you are not alone.  These conditions affect millions of people worldwide and disproportionately impact performing artists such as dancers, gymnasts, circus artists, and more.  What do these have in common?   Bodies that rely on aesthetics as well as maintaining peak performance. So how do you continue forward as your condition poses challenges to what you want to do?

And when your health derails your career plans, how do you recover from that?

We sat down with several athletic artists living with EDS, to hear their stories. We chatted with Marimba Gold-Watts, a former dancer and now Pilates trainer and teacher at Alvin Ailey; Mariana J. Plick, a circus artist; Kyle Thompson, a former elite baseball player and competitive cheerleader; and Cailey Brandon, a former dancer and now Pilates trainer.

Our panelists discuss the early days, when things were “easy”, and the point at which it became difficult. They share how their hypermobility disorders may have gone undiagnosed for a long time, lending itself to seemingly random and frustrating multiple injuries. Many identified with “hitting the EDS wall”, and the sharp turn their health seemed to take at that point.

We hear emotional stories, and lots of wisdom for other people also struggling with hypermobility disorders. The panelists also shared their hope, reflecting on ways that their disorders have made them even stronger right now, and revealed what advice they would offer to their younger selves if they had the chance.

Filled with “Oh my goodness, me too!” moments, as well as words of gut-level truth, this is an episode filled with bravery. You won’t want to miss it.

#hypermobility #heds #zebrastrong #hypermobilitydisorders #ehlersdanlossyndrome #hypermobileathletes #hypermobileartists #hypermobiledancers #hypermobilitymd #bendybodies #bendybodiespodcast #bodiesinmotion #jennifermilner

Photography encapsulates a moment in time like no other art form, and every artist walks into the studio wanting to capture their best selves. Some walk away ecstatic, while others leave unsatisfied or even injured. Dancers and photographers alike may feel pressure for photos that continue to push the body - and safety - to its limits, to capture the next “WOW!” shot.

How do you get pictures that reflect your fullest, most amazing self, without pushing your body too far? How do you find a photographer who understands dancers and will make you feel safe?

Bendy Bodies asked renowned dance photographer Rachel Neville these very questions.

Rachel’s passion for dancers is evident as she discusses the ways she helps dancers get the perfect arabesque or action shot. But she also understands the tension a  photographer wrestles with, of wanting to push boundaries in art while at the same time protecting the dancer and creating a safe space. What is the photographer’s responsibility in making sure a dancer stays physically and emotionally safe?

Rachel offers practical tips on developing a session organically, finding your “best self” and working into it. She reveals why she treats a shoot like a ballet class, shares the reason photography shoots take patience and practice from both the photographer and the dancer, and explains why the foundational elements of how the shoot is built are just as important as using the right muscles in a movement.

Rachel discusses how she makes dancers feel confident and safe in a shoot, and find their emotional expression through their movements. She emphasizes the importance of letting dancers know that the photographer “has your back”, and opens up about what she wishes all dancers could know before a photo shoot, offering questions to ask photographers beforehand.

And for all artists, Rachel asks the question:

How do we find our authentic self, and truly show what we have to offer?

If you’re a photographer, artist, or simply a fan, you’ll love the wisdom in this episode. Link is in bio, or listen on your favorite streaming platform!

#rachelneville #rachelnevillestudios #dancephotography #dance #bendybodies #bendybodiespodcast #hypermobility #hypermobilitymd #lindabluesteinmd #jennifermilner #bodiesinmotion

What support does a hypermobile young artist need?

Hint: a lot.

Hypermobile dancers, gymnasts, skaters, circus artists: the same hypermobility that gives them extraordinary lines and range of motion, also makes them vulnerable to injury, mental health issues, and more. They have unique needs and susceptibilities - so how do we help them?

For this episode, several members of Team Bendy Bodies sit down to discuss a whole-body (and mind) approach to caring for adolescent artists. Specialist Linda Bluestein MD, trainer and ballet coach Jennifer Milner, nutritionist Kristin Koskinen, and EDS Wellness ambassador Aidan Leslie speak frankly about the requirements in working with adolescent bendy bodies, from their “superpowers” to their “kryptonite”.

We discuss how parents can find help for their adolescent artist, and when to start putting together a “pit crew” to have on hand. Aidan shares her own story and offers suggestions on how to advocate for yourself as a teen artist looking to stay healthy in classes that don’t allow for modifications for hypermobility dancers. Kristin describes signs of disordered eating, and how to get help with fueling. Dr. Bluestein looks at symptoms of hypermobility that go beyond “flexibility” and discusses how “hypermobile” doesn’t always equal “flexible”. Jennifer shares her experiences training hypermobile dancers and mentoring them down that narrow path of working hard to be strong while knowing when to pull back to avoid injury.

And finally, we discuss the importance of mental health in the adolescent artist and why it’s always better to address something when it’s “little” than wait until it’s “big”. As Kristin points out, “Emotional owies have a harder time healing.”

Are you a pre-professional artist? This episode can give you guidance on how and when to ask for help as well as how to advocate for yourself. If you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or mentor, this is a must-listen as we discuss how it really takes a village to raise a hypermobile artist.

#traininghypermobiledancers #hypermobileathletes #mentalhealthfordancers #disorderedeating #mentalhealthfordancers #hypermobility #dancerlife #hypermobiledancer #hypermobileballet #hyperextensiondance #BendyBodies #BendyBodiespodcast #TeamBendyBodies #HypermobilityMD #LindaBluesteinMD #JenniferMilner #BodiesInMotion #balletwhisperer #KristinKoskinenRDN #eatwellpros #atypicalAidan

Do you love a fresh start? Have you ever made a new year's resolution and then dreaded it? 

It’s common for people to look at eating habits, make bold, sweeping commitments, and vow to be perfect this month/year/lifetime. But that’s not realistic, or healthy - physically or emotionally. And since people with hypermobility disorders are statistically more likely to display obsessive behaviors like disordered eating, it's something we need to talk about. 

Kristin Koskinen, RDN is back with Bendy Bodies to talk about this potential minefield of a season. 

She reminds us that self-improvement is different from self-abuse, and that “being good” does NOT equal “restrictive”. Kristin points out that fear can be a significant driver and that each person’s fear, guilt, or insecurity must be acknowledged. She encourages people to look at the “why” behind wanting to make behavior changes and promotes moving forward with small baby steps. 

Kristin discusses how extrinsic devices aren’t necessarily helpful or accurate, how labels might box us in, and reminds us of the importance of not trying to “undo” what we’ve already done, but to simply try to move forward. 

This episode is for anyone struggling physically or emotionally with food patterns, or even for the healthy dancer looking to be more mindful of her nourishment.

Nowhere is flexibility and hypermobility more valued and explored than in the circus arts! But while circus artists are highly skilled and extremely strong, working in extreme end ranges of motion comes with its own set of issues and potential injuries. In this podcast, we chat with Dr. Emily Scherb, a DPT who specializes in circus and performing arts. Emily examines what’s similar (and different) between circus and performing arts, looks at what is “normal” for the circus population, and outlines when to push into your end range and when not to. We explore the differences in rehabilitating the hypermobile versus the non-hypermobile population, who Emily would like to see on an artist’s dream support team, and why she literally wrote the book on anatomy for aerial artists. Emily explains why she prioritizes education for instructors and performers alike, and how she wants to change the language of technique and instill self-knowledge for the next generation. Emily believes circus training can be beneficial for all populations, and encourages adults to start recreational classes! As she says, “It’s never too late to come play with the circus!” Learn more about Emily: https://www.thecircusdoc.com/ Instagram: @thecircusdoc Check out these educational programs: Intro to circus healthcare discount code makes it just $5 https://circusanatomy.com/p/learning-the-ropes/?product_id=1946251&coupon_code=CIRCUSBODIES Hanging Analysis of the Shoulder course https://circusanatomy.com/p/hanging-analysis-of-the-shoulder Learn more about Dr. Linda Bluestein, the hypermobility MD at our website and be sure to follow us on social media: Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com Instagram: @hypermobilitymd Twitter: @hypermobilityMD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hypermobilityMD/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hypermobilityMD/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/ And follow co-host Jennifer at the links below: Website: www.jennifer-milner.com Instagram: @jennifer.milner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifermilnerbodiesinmotion/ Call 715-600-1722 to leave a voicemail with a question for Bendy Bodies. We just might answer it in a future episode.