The Zebrastrong Blog

Estimated reading time: 7 minutesMy first real client introduction to dysautonomia and in this case Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) was back in 2013 when I had a lady join one of my group classes. She told me she would not be able to do any exercises that involved raising her arms above her head as she would faint. She could mitigate this if she was holding a weight in her hands – that would stop the fainting. This makes sense – the autonomic nervous system (ANS) affects blood pressure regulation and blood flow. 

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesWhen I started teaching Pilates mat classes back in 2008, one of the very first clients who joined my classes had scoliosis. I learnt from day one how to work with scoliosis and what was best for this condition (she is still my client today 16 years later, so hopefully I did OK!).

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesI’ve asked Dr. Leslie Russek, scientific advisor to The Zebra Club, to collaborate to learn about nociplastic pain and how to regulate a sensitized nervous system.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesDo you wake up stiff, tight, and maybe even in pain in the morning? I hear this so often from the hypermobile community. Often during the night, the lack of movement can lead to some tight fascia. If we can get the fascia hydrated with some gentle movement or dynamic stretching we can free up that stiffness and get things gliding.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutesI received my diagnosis of hypermobile EDS because of MCAS, which is probably not the usual route. Back in 2016, I started having a number of symptoms that no doctor could explain. One of the main symptoms was repeated bladder infections and bladder irritability. This went on for 18 months, along with other symptoms like headaches, flushing, rashes, and increased sensitivity to foods and smells I had previously tolerated. I was becoming sicker and sicker with repeated infections and inflammation.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutesPelvic floor dysfunction is something I am familiar with in my own experience and something experienced by many of my clients. Let’s dive deep and learn more about the role of this structure.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesThe hip joint is one of my favourite joints – although it can be a cause of many problems in hypermobility. It is such a key joint in the body – it is one of the largest and most important joints for several reasons.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutesHyperextension of the knees in hypermobility is common. I used the adopt the strangest of standing postures, from simple knee locking to crossing one leg over the other, or actually wrapping one leg around the other one.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutesWhen exercising with hypermobility, it is important to focus on different aspects of movement. It can be tempting to jump straight in with strengthening work. Without correct alignment, relaxation of tight muscles, and building of tissue tolerance, this strategy can frequently lead to strain and injury.