The Zebrastrong Blog

Estimated reading time: 2 minutesWhat does zebrastrong mean to you? I remember a time when the thought of moving and living pain-free was just a thought. I was in pain, fearful of movement and frustrated at trying many options without success.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesApologies that I have been absent from my blog for a few months. I have been working on a project very special to my heart. For the past months, I have been busy writing my second book – Hypermobility Without Tears, which is a step-by-step guide to help people with hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome move with less pain.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutesSeptember was Pain Awareness Month. It’s taken me a while to put pen to paper because this is such a huge subject. I wasn’t sure where to start.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutesFor someone dealing with chronic pain, exercise feels like that last thing that should be on the agenda. With a body that’s easily exhausted, aches, and often acts frustratingly beyond your control, it might seem crazy to choose to physically exert yourself more.  But I’ve found exercise to be a fundamental part of managing chronic pain conditions and for those living with forms of hypermobility.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutesFor EDS Awareness Month, I’ve been thinking a lot about empowerment, inspired by the strength of communities who society often disregards as weak. Whether it’s hearing the stories of creative and resilient people, the positivity of #fragilebutunbreakable social media campaign, or watching the phenomenal achievements of the EDS community.  I am awed by this strength in the face of adversity.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutesAs a sufferer of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or hypermobility, you may not be familiar with the terms fascia and proprioception. I wasn’t until well into my health journey. But, whilst sounding complicated, these words actually describe things that are very simple, amazing, fascinating, as well as intrinsic to these conditions.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutesMother’s Day. Last minute cards and chocolates bought, shops repeatedly and urgently stage-whispering ‘Don’t forget!’. Despite all the commercialism, I’m still a supporter of anything which makes us pause and appreciate the people and actions we so often take for granted.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutesEncouraging someone who lives with chronic pain to ‘get moving’ could sound like a misguided, insensitive piece of advice. However, throughout my years as a professional Pilates and movement coach (not to mention during my years of ill health) I’ve seen time and again the impact that the right movement can have when it comes alleviating the symptoms of chronic pain.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutesIn my time as a professional Pilates instructor and wellness coach, I’ve come across countless people who have lived for years with undiagnosed joint pain and movement issues. Helping them understand what hypermobility is and how it might be causing their varying levels of discomfort, as well as introducing them to exercises that can make a life-changing difference, is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.