The State of Health Care Podcast

Lessons on Learning to Live in a Hypermobile Body

Tracy Karas Season 4 Episode 6

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0:00 | 31:20

Today's episode is a must-listen, especially if you have ever dealt with hypermobility, or extreme mobility in your body. We sit down in conversation with Elizabeth who at 29 years old, has already been on a multi-year journey of discovery, learning how to live in a hypermobile body. 

Elizabeth, while currently very active, specifically in the aerial arts and pole dancing, has to walk a unique road in order to do the things she loves. Living in a hypermobile body means that many of her tendons are like "rubber-bands", which don't hold the muscles of her body together well. Challenges in her stability, with fatigue and developmental "skips" were all early signs that things weren't working as they should have been. Today, she speaks about how hypermobility also impacts her digestive system, can cause headaches, ringing in the ears, and severe jaw pain, among other things.

We get to hear candidly about the tools and resources Elizabeth utilizes to help her along her path. Physical Therapy, a "to-go" bag with all the tools she needs to live at optimal functionality, therapy, a hunger for knowledge on how best to help herself, relearning at times basic body mechanics and movement - all are part of her every day curriculum for engaging fully in life. 

Join us as we talk about her journey to living the life she desires, and how she approaches each unique challenge with optimism, a great attitude, and determination to rise to the occasion. 

Resources:

IG: @elizabeth.swagert 

Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.