The Zebrastrong Blog

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 minutesIf you have EDS or hypermobility, I bet 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: 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.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutesFirst of all, If you have EDS or HSD and suffer from fatigue, you are not alone.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesNeck pain is a common issue faced by those of us with hypermobility. I get asked about this so frequently.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutesHave you been told to exercise to help manage your EDS or HSD? Perhaps you have been given no instruction on how to exercise with this condition. Or perhaps you’ve been told to just do pilates or go swimming. Or maybe you’ve been sent to a physical therapist who doesn’t understand hypermobility and makes things worse?