"Exercise is good for EDS." So why do so many hypermobile people get worse when they try it?
In this episode of Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by co-host Dr. Dacre Knight, Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorders Center, and physical therapist Dr. Morgan Groover to discuss one of the most misunderstood aspects of hypermobility care: how to make physical therapy and exercise work for a hypermobile body.
Many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), chronic pain, POTS, and related conditions have been told to exercise more, only to experience increased pain, injury, or setbacks. Others have been told to avoid activity altogether. In this conversation, Dr. Groover explains why both approaches can miss the mark.
Together, they explore how hypermobile joints, muscles, tendons, and connective tissues respond to load, why individualized physical therapy is essential, and how the right amount of strengthening can improve joint stability, function, and quality of life. Dr. Groover shares practical strategies for determining an appropriate starting point, progressing safely, interpreting pain and soreness, and avoiding the common cycle of overdoing it and crashing.
They also discuss the powerful role language plays in rehabilitation, how fear of movement can contribute to disability, and why hypermobile patients can often continue participating in activities they love, including running, dancing, yoga, and sports, with the right support and guidance.
Whether you're living with EDS, HSD, generalized joint hypermobility, chronic pain, or you're a clinician looking to better support hypermobile patients, this episode offers practical, evidence-informed insights that can help change the way you think about movement and rehabilitation.
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Want more Morgan Groover?
Instagram: @morgan.groover.dpt
Website: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/directory/morgan-groover/
Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center?
For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org
UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic
UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq
UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health
Want more Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD?
Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bendybodiespodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBodiesPodcast
X: https://twitter.com/BluesteinLinda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/
Newsletter: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/
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Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start
Want to learn more about the UVA EDS Center?
For Appointments and Questions: RUVAEDSCenter@uvahealth.org
UVA EDS: https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-practice/advancing-care-through-ehlers-danlos-clinic
UVA EDS FAQ: https://www.uvahealth.com/support/eds/faq
UVA Pediatric Integrative Medicine: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/specialties/integrative-health
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.
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Chapters:
00:00 When PT Isn’t Enough
00:37 Meet the Guests
01:55 Stop the Fragility Narrative
03:47 Right Load for Real Life
05:43 When PT “Didn’t Work”
08:32 Baseline, Goals, and Environment
34:53 PT as Care Quarterback
37:12 Clinician Language Matters
40:45 Labels Without Fear
42:20 Keep the Sports You Love
47:37 Finding Care on Insurance
52:15 Pain Dosing and Joyful Movement
57:34 Guide Not Gatekeeper
01:01:08 Hypermobility Hack Dance Breaks
01:03:36 Where to Find Morgan
01:05:06 Bendy Bodies Boutique
01:05:38 Resources and Disclaimers
01:07:48 Final Thanks and Subscribe
