93. Unveiling Taming the Zebra: A Discussion with Physical Therapists Patricia Stott and Heather Purdin

This episode centers around unveiling 'Taming the Zebra', a book co-authored by physical therapists, Dr. Patty Stott and Heather Purdin. The book aims to fill a void in understanding and provide therapists with the knowledge to effectively work with patients with hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). It covers the impact of connective tissue disorders on various body systems and provides practical tips for modifying physical therapy approaches. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing primary issues and understanding the complexity of each individual's presentation. The chapters cover topics such as modifying movement for gentle exercise, addressing deconditioning and weakness, building confidence and safe strengthening programs, finding physical therapists open to working with EDS patients, expanding the toolkit for physical therapy, and more. Takeaways The book 'Taming the Zebra' fills a void in understanding and provides physical therapists with the knowledge to effectively work with patients with HSD and EDS. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing primary issues and understanding the individualized nature of each patient's presentation. A collaborative approach between therapists and patients is essential in managing overlapping problems and setbacks. Modifying movement can allow individuals with HSD and EDS to engage in gentle exercise and maintain movement despite physical limitations. Deconditioning and weakness are common issues for individuals with HSD and EDS, and addressing these problems requires a comprehensive approach that considers the underlying causes and individual goals. Physical therapists should approach treatment with intention, focusing on building confidence and creating safe strengthening programs tailored to the individual's needs. Expanding the toolkit of physical therapy techniques, such as neural rehabilitation and manual therapies, can improve outcomes for individuals with HSD and EDS. Chapters ➡ 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:58 Motivation for Writing the Book 03:28 Challenges in Managing EDS and HSD 06:08 Different Types of Hypermobility and Connective Tissue Disorders 07:35 Approaching Physical Therapy for EDS and HSD 09:21 Primary Treatment Approach and Identifying Key Issues 21:04 Approaching Physical Therapy with Overlapping Problems 22:48 Non-Linear Path of Physical Therapy 31:01 Modifying Movement for Gentle Exercise 31:21 Addressing Deconditioning and Weakness 35:13 Neural Rehabilitation and Muscle Firing 36:09 Steps to Successful Strengthening 40:18 Expanding the Toolkit for Physical Therapy 43:13 Approaching Stabilization and Alignment 56:32 Hypermobility Hacks Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/ . Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/ . YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓 Resources: Virtual book event sign up https://www.tamingthezebra.org http://www.elevationwellness.co/ www.goodhealthphysicaltherapy.com/clinic-staff/ www.medbridge.com/heather-purdin-physical-therapy https://www.olagrimsby.com/courses-page/ https://www.naiomt.com https://feldenkrais.com https://counterstrain.com https://frequencyspecific.com https://pt.wustl.edu/education/movement-system-impairment-syndromes-courses/where-in-the-world-is-shirley-sahrmann/ #ZebraWarriors #ZebraStrong #HSD #PhysicalTherapy #EhlersDanlos #Podcast #TamingTheZebra #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices