40. Understanding Overstretching with Jennifer Milner, NCPT

What is overstretching, and why should we talk about it? As the artistic world seems to demand ever more extreme ranges of motion from its dancers and athletes, many people turn to overstretching as a way to stay competitive, forcing an artificial hypermobility in some joints. Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Bendy Bodies’ own Jennifer Milner, NCPT, on the subject of overstretching and forced hypermobility. Jennifer discusses why a joint might be hypermobile, and what issues she sees in the hypermobile population versus the non-hypermobile population. Jennifer explores overstretching, how it affects the body, and some issues that may arise because of it. She explains the difference between dynamic and static stretching, and when each type may be appropriate. Jennifer looks at the practice of overstretching in dance studios and shares alternatives to overstretching for achieving flexibility in a healthy way. Finally, Jennifer offers suggestions on how to find resources to help you increase your flexibility safely, both online and in person, and confides what she wishes every dancer knew about flexibility. Whether you are an artist, a parent, a studio owner, or a health practitioner, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Full of helpful advice and practical tips! #flexibility #flexible #ballet #ballerina #stretching #stretch #pointe #splits #pointeshoes #bendy #balletdancer #gymnast #gymnastics #instadance #instaballet #backbend #worldwideballet #dancer #contortion #poledance #oversplits #overstretching #split #acrobatics #zebra #hypermobilitymd #bendybodies #JenniferMilner #balletwhisperer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices