43. Supporting Artistic Athletes with Selina Shah, MD

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies podcast, Dr. Selina Shah, an experienced sports medicine physician and former competitive athlete, discusses the unique health challenges faced by hypermobile artistic athletes such as dancers, gymnasts, and figure skaters. Dr. Shah emphasizes the dual nature of hypermobility, which can be advantageous for aesthetic performance but also increases the risk of injuries due to joint instability and muscle strength challenges. She advocates for early intervention and personalized strength training programs to enhance joint stability and prevent injury. Dr. Shah also covers the treatment options for chronic tendon-related issues in hypermobile athletes, including emerging therapies like platelet-rich plasma injections, while advising against routine cortisone use due to its potential to harm connective tissues. Effective communication with healthcare providers and team physicians is stressed as vital for managing hypermobility-related issues within team settings.