The Zebrastrong Blog

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesSadly, I still encounter clients in my clinic who consultants and physicians have dismissed because they do not score high on the Beighton score. If this continues to happen and diagnosis is delayed, patient outcomes will not improve as fast as they could. 

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesJoint pain and instability, including subluxations and dislocations for many people, is probably one of the most challenging aspects of managing symptomatic hypermobility and EDS.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutesWe have compiled this massive Hypermobility gift guide! Hopefully, you can find something for yourself or the hypermobile people in your life.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutesI am often astounded by the choice of words and language that is used with patients about their spines. As therapists and clinicians, we need to be mindful of how we explain things to patients and clients so that we do not create fear, misunderstandings, or a sense of vulnerability.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutesI’ve told the story many times of my first visit with a physiotherapist after the birth of my second son. I was experiencing terrible shoulder pain and loss of power down my left arm. He took one look at me and told me I was hanging off my joints and had a terrible posture. 

Estimated reading time: 7 minutesI met my first osteoporosis client back when I first started teaching. As part of my initial Pilates training, I’d taken additional courses in how to work with osteoporosis so I was able to safely modify exercises for her during a Pilates mat class. Now it is something I regularly receive questions about.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutesIt is important to remember that whilst pregnancy can be challenging for some people with hEDS, many people have healthy pregnancies. If you have an hEDS diagnosis, it can help ensure you receive extra attention and individualized care.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutesIt is important to remember that most children are hypermobile – this does not mean they have a syndrome or connective tissue disorder. Hypermobility can be asymptomatic, and does not mean joints are unstable. Children under the age of six will not be assessed for any hypermobility syndrome as it is a normal part of life and hypermobility can decrease as they age. If however, after this age problems persist, it is worth investigating further. 

Estimated reading time: 8 minutesLateral ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that occur with activities and recreation in the general population (not considering hypermobility). Up to 70% of people that sprain their ankle have recurring ankle sprains and chronic symptoms (1). I find this is a common issue in the hypermobile population and something I often address with my clients.