The published extract from 2021 states “Preliminary analysis shows that this on-line Pilates program designed for people with hEDS/HSD provides a viable model for intervention and research with this population”.
The research project into the IMM had an initial enrolment of 671 hypermobile participants. I am delighted that the outcome measures showed 88% of post-intervention respondents were likely or very likely to recommend this program to other people with hypermobility. The research data demonstrates both the physical and psychological benefits of practising the IMM. I look forward to sharing the published data with you in 2024.
The IMM benefits
The Integral Movement Method (IMM) is a no pain, no strain strategy to movement that allows the body to release stress and tension from the body and replace it with a calm nervous system and efficient movement patterns. Pain and discomfort, often stuck in the body for many years, can often disappear. The IMM is endorsed by doctors and physiotherapists and has helped hundreds of people.
A personal journey
My work is personal. I was a chronic pain sufferer, with a hypermobile, bendy and unstable body. I experienced three episodes of pneumonia that left me with a lifelong lung condition called bronchiectasis. My extensive medical history of seemingly unrelated issues finally led me to a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTs) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This experience led me to develop my own approach to take back control of my health.
Informed by years of training and research
I trained with the internationally recognised leader of rehabilitation-based Pilates, Polestar Pilates. I then explored outside the realm of Pilates and studied other disciplines – attending courses on biomechanics, anatomy, neuroscience and lifestyle medicine. Through self-practice, study and the privilege of working with thousands of my own clients, I developed the Integral Movement Method (IMM).
Making IMM available to all
I’m a firm believer that movement heals. I work privately with clients in my clinic in Wimbledon but I’m committed to sharing IMM with sufferers globally. I want everyone that needs it to have easy, affordable access to my approach. To this end, I launched The Zebra Club app, the most comprehensive collection of movement solutions for people with hypermobility and EDS which offers effective, affordable and safe programmes.
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 moreOr download the App on
IMM for Therapists
As a therapist you’ll know that what works for other clients won’t work for hypermobile and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome clients. That’s why I’m delighted you’re interested in training in The Integral Movement Method (IMM). This is a no pain, no strain approach to movement and you’ll learn to help your clients release tension from the body and replace it with a calm nervous system and efficient movement patterns. The IMM is endorsed by doctors and physiotherapists and has already helped thousands of people.
Train with Jeannie in person
Host Jeannie at your own venue for a full day course in Movement Strategies for the Hypermobile Client. For anyone working with clients in this specialist field, this is suitable for teachers, instructors, physiotherapists, osteopaths or anyone wanting a greater understanding of this condition.
Hypermobility can go way beyond having flexibility. When working with hypermobility, we need to be aware of possible other symptoms and conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and chronic pain which is often a feature in hypermobility.
What you’ll learn:
- Review the latest research and information relating to hypermobility and EDS
- Acquire the knowledge & skills to work effectively and confidently with this population
- Examine the physical, emotional & psychological aspects of hypermobility and chronic pain
- Learn mat-based exercises & guidelines to work with confidence in this field utilising the Integral Movement Method framework
Online training: EDS Echo Fundamentals of the Integral Movement Method
For physical therapists, physiotherapists, pilates teachers, yoga teachers and personal trainers.
What you’ll learn:
- How Movement Therapy is effective
- Strategies to implement in your own practice
- Confidence in helping people with EDS and HSD to exercise
- A unique opportunity to learn from colleagues and peers around the world.
This 18 hour online course is spread over 9 weeks. It’s run in collaboration with The Ehlers-Danlos Society and on their platform EDS Echo. The programmes are run twice a year.
Find a practitioner near you
A directory of teachers who have successfully completed the Fundamentals of the Integral Movement Method taught by Jeannie Di Bon in association with The Ehlers Danlos Society.
IMM Directory
My ‘The Integral Movement Method’ book
For health professionals and movement practitioners who want to learn more about this evidence-based approach to hypermobility management. You will learn:
- The six hypermobility principles in depth
- Strategies to implement in your own clinical practice
- Practical solutions for you to use with your clients.
Launching Soon!
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What clients say
I have Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and since seeing Jeannie my posture has changed, my pain has reduced and the way I use my body is just different. If you are undecided about booking an appointment with Jeannie I would say definitely, do it, it’s an investment that you and your body deserve.
Newly diagnosed, it was so refreshing to find a professional movement teacher, with full empathy, and a most impressive wealth of experience. Within the first two sessions, my typical tension and bracing eased markedly, facilitated largely through my first encounter with Reformer Pilates. Then, seeing The Zebra Club app launched and grow over recent years, gives myself and the other members, a real sense of support, validation, and hope, that we can finally use safe and targeted movement practices, to substantially improve our symptoms and quality of life.
After sessions with Jeannie, I felt like my body had received a healing balm. I was able to practice her exercises without causing a flare-up or causing additional pain. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before.
Working with Jeannie has enabled me to overcome many years of chronic pain and frustration. Her mentorship has been invaluable, and I am so grateful to have movement solutions for pain and fatigue instead of relying on medications or trying to ignore it and power through. The Zebra Club community is also hugely supportive and helpful for tips and tricks for dealing with hypermobility. I'm so thankful for Jeannie and The Zebra Club and highly recommend it to anyone dealing with hypermobility and chronic pain.
From age 11, I have had chronic pain and frequent subluxations. Diagnosed with HSD at 17, every type of therapy I was sent to only made things worse. Discovering Jeannie and working with her has been an absolute game changer. Jeannie's intimate understanding of the EDS body from her wealth of personal and professional experience is very unique. Her x-ray-like vision in detecting and correcting dysfunctional body mechanics is incredible. I have learned how to walk without pain, naturally not lock my hypermobile joints, and activate muscles I didn't know I had. When I first started with Jeannie, I was housebound, but now I am able to attend college full time and work part time.
I have worked with Jeannie Di-Bon face to face for a number of years. Her approach offered me hope and progress where others had failed and has allowed me to recapture confidence and function in my life. Whilst I continue to be a work in progress her expertise has allowed me to find hope for the future where it has historically been lacking.
Discovering Jeannie was a game changer for me. Having struggled with varied physical health problems since my childhood I went on a self-diagnosis journey after I had a problematic pregnancy and birth with my first child - which compounded all my existing health issues. Jeannie has offered patience, guidance and a wealth of knowledge which have helped me to accept, understand and work with my body. Re-educating my nervous system with Jeannie’s guidance has been a slow and gentle process. I feel now I have the tools to take my pain management and future health into my own hands as I understand how my “different” body works and why my body has reacted in certain ways in the past.
