80. Optimising health for the HYPERMOBILE dancer with Dr Linda Bluestein!

In this resource, Dr. Linda Bluestein discusses the unique considerations for hypermobile dancers, especially those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). As a former dancer and a physician, Dr. Bluestein shares insights into how hypermobility affects dancers, often leading to anxiety and injury due to the increased joint range of motion. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the connection between hypermobility and various symptoms like chronic pain, and she highlights the necessity of strength training, specifically through Pilates, to support joint stability. Dr. Bluestein also mentions the psychological impacts, including anxiety, that often co-occur with hypermobility disorders. She advises that dancers and their teachers become aware of the symptomatic presentations and to foster an environment that minimizes the risk of injury. This discussion is enriched with her personal journey from ballet to medicine, underlining the importance of awareness and proactive management in maintaining dancers' health.