94. Support and Bracing for Hypermobile Joints with Susan Chalela, MPT, and Guest Cohost, Scott Borjeson

In this Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD podcast, Susan Chalela, MPT discusses support and bracing for hypermobile joints. She shares how her personal and professional experience with joint hypermobility led her to develop the Finding Functional Foundations approach which is being taught as part of The Ehlers-Danlos Society EDS ECHO program. She emphasizes the importance of proper alignment and biomechanics in everyday activities and explains why traditional physical therapy approaches may not be effective for hypermobile patients. Susan also discusses the role of bracing and supports in providing stability and controlling motion. She explains the benefits of using different types of braces for the feet, ankles, pelvis, and neck, and emphasizes the need for proper sizing and education for both patients and physical therapists. Susan also shares her experience with durable medical equipment (DME) and provides recommendations for clinicians interested in offering bracing services. She concludes by highlighting the resources available for further education and support in the field of hypermobility. Watching this episode on YouTube is recommended since there are some graphics used.

Takeaways

Proper alignment and biomechanics are crucial for protecting joints and managing symptoms in hypermobile individuals.

Traditional physical therapy approaches may not be effective for hypermobile patients and can even worsen symptoms.

The Finding Functional Foundations approach focuses on teaching patients proper alignment and functional movement patterns.

Bracing and supports can provide stability and control motion in hypermobile joints. Proper support and bracing can help manage symptoms and improve function in patients with hypermobility.

Different types of braces are available for the feet, ankles, pelvis, and neck, and proper sizing is crucial for optimal support.

Education and guidance are essential for both patients and physical therapists to ensure the correct use of braces and maximize their benefits.

Clinicians interested in offering bracing services should consider the specific needs of their patients, stock commonly used sizes, and collaborate with DME suppliers.

Chapters ➡

00:00 Introduction 01:22 Background and Interest in Hypermobility 11:56 Neurological Interest and Stroke Recovery 16:23 Traditional Physical Therapy Approaches 25:24 Importance of Bracing and Supports 39:18 Feet and Ankle Support 40:28 Pelvis Support 43:32 Neck Braces 51:46 Dispensing DME and Bracing 56:56 Carrying Products in the Clinic 01:02:59 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/. 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! 🧬🔬🦓

Resources:

Chalela Physical Therapy Institute for EDS and CCI/Cervical Instability

Bendy Bodies's Amazon Page

Eclipse Cervical Collar - Thuasne USA

https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/echo/

Patricia Stott, PT, DPT, ATC, CHT, CYT | MedBridge

https://www.tamingthezebra.org/

Hypermobility/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Educational Handouts

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