The Zebrastrong Blog

Managing your pain starts with learning what works for you, your body and your lifestyle. That’s why my blog is about more than techniques for managing pain. Here you’ll also find strategies for coping with the emotional and social aspects too.

Article Categories

Search the Blog

All Articles

Understanding dysautonomia
Associated Conditions, EDS, Hypermobility

September 25th, 2024 | Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Understanding dysautonomia

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. 

Read more
Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Its Connection to Scoliosis
Associated Conditions, Chronic Pain, EDS, Hypermobility

September 18th, 2024 | Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Its Connection to Scoliosis

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!).

Read more
Nociplastic pain, hypermobility, and a sensitized nervous system
Associated Conditions, Chronic Pain, EDS, Hypermobility

September 11th, 2024 | Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Nociplastic pain, hypermobility, and a sensitized nervous system

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.

Read more
7 Essential Morning Stretches for a Great Start to Your Day
EDS, Hypermobility, Movement & Exercise

September 3rd, 2024 | Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

7 Essential Morning Stretches for a Great Start to Your Day

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.

Read more
EDS and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Associated Conditions, EDS, Hypermobility, Lifestyle & Wellbeing

August 26th, 2024 | Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

EDS and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

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.

Read more
Pelvic Floor Health in Hypermobility
EDS, Hypermobility

August 19th, 2024 | Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Pelvic Floor Health in Hypermobility

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.

Read more
Understanding Hip Hypermobility and Its Effects on Joint Pain
Chronic Pain, EDS, Hypermobility

August 12th, 2024 | Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Understanding Hip Hypermobility and Its Effects on Joint Pain

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.

Read more
How does hypermobility impact your Knees?
Chronic Pain, EDS, Hypermobility

August 5th, 2024 | Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

How does hypermobility impact your Knees?

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.

Read more
5 Best Daily Exercises for Hypermobility
Hypermobility, Lifestyle & Wellbeing, Movement & Exercise

July 30th, 2024 | Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

5 Best Daily Exercises for Hypermobility

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.

Read more
The Zebra Club APP

Hypermobility safe, affordable and effective movement, education and community in the comfort of your own home.

The Zebra Club app is a programme based on the Integral Movement Method. In this programme I will carefully guide you through safe exercises to manage your pain.

Learn more
Or download the App on
Sign up to our newsletter

Stay in the loop with Jeannie Di Bon’s expert insights on managing chronic pain, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and hypermobility! Sign up for her newsletter to receive valuable blogs, videos, and information on upcoming events directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE

You can unsubscribe anytime.

close-link