Article Categories
Associated Conditions
February 3rd, 2025
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, the tongue and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Estimated reading time: 5 minutesAs a teenager, I had terrible issues with my jaw – in particular, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It would lock overnight and would be extremely painful to open it. I probably didn’t have the right movement patterns and balance of my facial and jaw muscles.
Read moreJanuary 13th, 2025
The link between fibromyalgia and hypermobility
Estimated reading time: 7 minutesFibromyalgia and symptomatic hypermobility are often debilitating conditions and have overlapping symptoms. Patients presenting with muscular and joint pain and fatigue can frequently be diagnosed with fibromyalgia when, in fact, an Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome diagnosis might have been missed.
Read moreNovember 5th, 2024
The link between Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Osteoporosis
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.
Read moreSeptember 25th, 2024
Understanding dysautonomia
Estimated reading time: 8 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 moreSeptember 18th, 2024
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 moreSeptember 11th, 2024
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 moreAugust 26th, 2024
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 moreJuly 25th, 2024
Navigating Menopause with Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Estimated reading time: 6 minutesWhen I hit the menopause or rather it hit me, my life changed dramatically.
Read moreMarch 28th, 2024
Headaches in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes
Estimated reading time: 6 minutesDiscover the link between Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and headaches. Learn about causes, such as upper cervical instability, and find effective treatment strategies.
Read moreMarch 22nd, 2024
The Link Between Hypermobility, Autism and Anxiety
Estimated reading time: 5 minutesDiscover the complex connection between hypermobility, autism, and anxiety. Delve into how autism presents differently in women.
Read moreMarch 13th, 2024
What is Post Exertional Malaise (PEM)?
Estimated reading time: 3 minutesPost Exertional Malaise seems to be a hot topic right now. PEM is a cardinal symptom of ME/CFS. While fatigue is very common in my hypermobile patients, the fatigue experienced with ME/CFS can be different. I know, I have ME/CFS myself as do many of The Zebra Club members. I asked Emily Rich to explain more about PEM and how it may change the approach to exercise.
Read moreMarch 7th, 2024
POTS and Exercise with Emily Rich, OT
Estimated reading time: 3 minutesOccupational therapist and researcher Emily Rich shares her expertise and advice when it comes to exercising with POTS.
Read moreThe 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