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Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein

Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein

By: Dr. Linda Bluestein
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 Whether you’re bendy with all the benefits or hurting in all the wrong places, you’ve come to the right place for all things hypermobility. Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are often dismissed or overlooked by healthcare providers as a cause of chronic pain. But if you or someone you care about struggles with the life-altering symptoms of hypermobility, you should know YOU ARE NOT ALONE! At the Bendy Bodies Podcast, we understand. Each week, join Dr. Linda Bluestein (The Hypermobility MD) as she pulls back the curtain on how to prevent injury and unnecessary suffering in “double-jointed” individuals seeking a more comfortable life in their unique, complex “bendy bodies.” When you tune in, you’re engaging in more than a podcast. Both on-air and online, you’re joining a supportive community where patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals trade insights, life hacks, and inspiring stories to embrace our Bendy Bodies journey together!Bendy Bodies, LLC Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • The Truth About Ballet Bodies with ABTs Skylar Brandt

    The Truth About Ballet Bodies with ABTs Skylar Brandt
    Nov 25 2025
    In this raw and uncompromising conversation, Dr. Linda Bluestein and co-host Jennifer Milner sit down with Skylar Brandt, principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, for a gripping look at what it truly takes to perform at the highest level. Skylar pulls back the curtain on the physical and psychological demands of elite ballet—the toll it takes, the constant adaptations required to avoid breakdown, and the pressure of sustaining a career where your body, your art, and your livelihood are inseparably intertwined. She speaks candidly about navigating the challenges of less-flexible feet in an industry that glorifies extreme range, and why the dance world must rethink the “more is better” mentality. But one of Skylar’s most powerful messages is the importance of listening to your body—learning when to push, when to modify, and when to stop—wisdom that applies not only to dancers, but to anyone striving for longevity in a demanding field. This episode dives into the high-stakes intersection of artistry, athleticism, body awareness, and survival, offering a rare and riveting look behind the curtain of one of the world’s most unforgiving professions. Takeaways: Skylar reveals how elite performers balance on the edge of injury, often compensating in ways that hide the real damage. Despite growing awareness, the aesthetic of fragility still reigns and muscular dancers are often questioned, even sidelined. Jennifer and Dr. Bluestein challenge the outdated idea that power ruins grace and Skylar proves it’s possible to embody both. Skylar shares how her body learned to work around instability and what happened when those patterns stopped serving her. From pelvic stability to core engagement, Skylar’s journey shows how science-backed support can extend performance careers. Want more Skylar Brandt? Instagram: @skylarbrandt Want more Jennifer Milner? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.milner/?hl=en 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/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start 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. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • From Nitrous to Nerves: MTHFR, CRPS & Cervical Collars Unpacked | Office Hours (EP 171)

    From Nitrous to Nerves: MTHFR, CRPS & Cervical Collars Unpacked | Office Hours (EP 171)
    Nov 20 2025
    In this solo episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein brings on her producers to help unpack the hidden complications that can follow seemingly routine medical procedures. From the lingering effects of breast surgery to the controversial use of nitrous oxide, Dr. Bluestein explores how standard treatments can backfire, especially for patients with EDS, MCAS, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). She also dives into the surprising risks of cervical collars, and why something that feels stabilizing may actually worsen pain over time. If you’ve ever been told your symptoms “shouldn’t be happening,” this episode might finally connect the dots. Takeaways Dr. Bluestein explains how this commonly used sedative can trigger or worsen neurological symptoms in vulnerable patients and why you might want to avoid it. From scar sensitivity to chronic nerve pain, Dr. Bluestein explores the challenges many face but few anticipate. You’ll learn when collars are truly helpful and when they might prolong instability, weakness, and pain. This condition affects the nervous system in ways most clinicians miss. Dr. Bluestein breaks down how to recognize early signs and advocate for better care. Dr. Bluestein reveals the disconnect between standard protocols and what EDS/MCAS patients actually experience in the OR and during recovery. 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/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start 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. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www\.bendybodiespodcast\.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www\.human-content\.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • When Surgery Isn’t Simple: What hEDS Patients Should Know Before Going Under | Office Hours (Ep 170)

    When Surgery Isn’t Simple: What hEDS Patients Should Know Before Going Under | Office Hours (Ep 170)
    Nov 13 2025
    In this solo episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein brings on her producers to ask your most pressing questions about what it’s really like to live with and treat Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). From the pitfalls of internet misinformation to the hidden ways MCAS impacts medication tolerance, Dr. Bluestein shares her unique perspective as both a physician and a patient. With honesty and a touch of humor, she tackles everything from her least favorite diagnosis to how she manages confusing or contradictory advice. Whether you’re new to these conditions or deep in the weeds, this conversation brings clarity to complexity. Takeaways: Dr. Bluestein dives into why some patients need significantly more, or less, medication to stay under, and why it’s not your fault if things felt “off.” She explores how connective tissue disorders can affect everything from wound healing to joint positioning on the table. Learn how dysautonomia, MCAS, and EDS can complicate anesthesia depth and pain perception during and after surgery. Linda reflects on how emotional trauma and sensory overwhelm can turn recovery into a mental marathon and why that deserves more attention. From advocating for specific anesthesia plans to bringing your own blanket (really), Dr. Bluestein shares what patients can do to stay safer and more comfortable. References & Resources: Find all articles mentioned in this episode at bendybodiespodcast.com. 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/ Shop my Amazon store ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/shop/hypermobilitymd Dr. Bluestein's Recommended Herbs, Supplements and Care Necessities: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hypermobilitymd/store-start 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. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at ⁠⁠https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/⁠⁠. YOUR bendy body is our highest priority!⁠⁠ Learn more about Human Content at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Advertising/Business Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠sales@human-content.com⁠⁠⁠ Part of the Human Content Podcast Network FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
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