Show Notes
In this episode of Zebra Talks, host Dr. Libby Hinsley delves into the complexities of pelvic health in individuals with hypermobility syndromes with special guest Beth Kemper. Beth is a seasoned physical therapist with dual certification in Women's Health and Pelvic Health. She discusses the prevalence of hypermobility among her pelvic PT patients and the unique challenges they face. The conversation covers a range of pelvic-related issues, including elimination dysfunctions, pelvic organ prolapse, gynecological concerns, and pelvic pain, offering insights into their treatment. Beth emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes manual therapy and retraining of the pelvic floor and related muscle groups, alongside utilizing support devices where necessary. Additionally, the podcast touches on the importance of proper diagnosis and the potential impact of surgeries. Listeners are encouraged to seek skilled pelvic PTs, and the episode underscores the importance of hope and proactive care in managing pelvic health for the hypermobile population. Highlights of this episode include: 00:36 Meet Beth Kemper: A Deep Dive into Pelvic PT and Hypermobility01:23 Exploring the Prevalence and Impact of Hypermobility in Pelvic PT04:09 Unpacking Common Pelvic Issues in the Bendy Population11:58 Addressing Incontinence and Elimination Challenges13:01 Comprehensive Treatment Approaches for Pelvic Conditions18:58 The Importance of Tailored Rehabilitation for Hypermobility20:04 Exploring Supportive Devices and Surgical Considerations32:40 Finding the Right Pelvic PT: Tips and Advice37:11 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes
More from Zebra Talks: Living Your Best Bendy Life
Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes Jennifer Parkinson, a certified functional nutrition practitioner and founder of EDS Nutritionist, who supports people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, MCAS, and POTS.
Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes physical therapist Dr. Laura Glazebrook to discuss scoliosis, especially its overlap with hypermobility. Laura shares her own history of rapidly progressing scoliosis, undergoing a spinal fusion at age 11, and later realizing she likely falls on the hypermobility spectrum.
Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes menopause specialist and nurse practitioner Vanessa Weiland, founder of Phases Clinic and creator of Bendy Menopause, who also has hypermobile EDS and MCAS.
Host Dr. Libby Hinsley interviews Abbey Phillipson, a classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) advocate and Paralympic strength and conditioning coach at the University of Michigan. Abbey shares her experience with early signs, diagnosis via genetics (COL5A1), and serious complications of Classical EDS.
Host Dr. Libby Hinsley interviews pelvic floor physical therapist and author Dr. Amy Stein, founder of Beyond Basics Physical Therapy. Stein discusses the strong overlap she sees between hypermobility and pelvic floor dysfunction (estimating about 70% of her patients), including patterns of pelvic floor gripping used for stability, pelvic pain, prolapse, hernias, constipation/IBS symptoms, possible pelvic congestion, and bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction across all genders.