50. Pushing Limits with Jen Crane, DPT

In this episode of the Bendy Bodies podcast, Dr. Jennifer Crane, a physical therapist and circus performer with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), discusses the challenges faced by artists with hypermobility. She offers insights into how hypermobile artists can leverage their physical attributes while maintaining their health and avoiding injury. Dr. Crane shares her own diagnostic journey and stresses the importance of listening to one's body and finding a knowledgeable coach or healthcare provider. She talks about the role of risk-benefit analysis, particularly in relation to long-term career sustainability, and emphasizes the need for rest and recovery in training regimens. She advocates for utilizing tools like heart rate variability to gauge readiness for physical activity. Dr. Crane also highlights the significance of making informed decisions, particularly for circus and artistic athletes, regarding their choices to balance longevity with their professional aspirations.