This episode deep dives into the world of hypermobility with physical therapist Dr. Melissa Koehl. During this episode, Nikki and Melissa discuss navigating pain, exercise, and the healthcare system as a hypermobile human.

Topics covered:

• The complex reasons why hypermobile humans often deal with joint pain, soreness and fatigue.

• Strength versus stability and the value in cultivating both

• Strategies for physical therapy and exercise to build strength and stability with fewer pain flares.

• How to measure progress when you’re hypermobile and why "pain-free" might not be the best short-term goal.

• The importance of addressing comorbidities beyond joint pain and how to self advocate in a healthcare setting.

Connect with Melissa

• Visit Melissa’s website to learn more about her classes and offerings.

• Learn more about Melissa’s course Navigating Healthcare as a Hypermobile Human

• Follow Melissa on Instagram @dr.melissakoehl.pt

Connect with Nikki

• Grab your week of free customizable strength workouts with modifications for pain or hypermobility!

• Sign up for Nikki’s free Strength Q&A on March 10, 2024

• Follow Nikki on Instagram @naablevyfitness

In this episode, Nikki chats with Travis Pollen, PhD Health & Rehabilitation Sciences about how to critically assess scientific and research claims in the social media and online space.

They discuss:

• The limitations of research and how it doesn't always hold up when applied to real life
• The problem is cherry picking or only selecting a single study to site on why you are doing something rather than considering the larger body of evidence and how this can lead to misleading claims
• Why you can't believe everything you hear in the media or on Instagram, even when it comes from an authority 
• Why most health and fitness advice is really boring and if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is

Resources mentioned:

• Research review for health and fitness professionals and teachers: physio-network.com
• Resource improving communication skills between health / movement professionals and clients: The Level Up Initiative 

To connect with Travis, visit travispollen.com or follow him @fitness_pollenator on Instagram.

In this episode, Nikki chats with crainosacral therapist Robyn Scherr about her lived and professional experience navigating fitness in a hypermobile body. 

They discuss:

• Common misconceptions around hypermobility, exercise, and injury
• Why doing less when starting a new exercise program will often get you better results
• How stress affects exercise tolerance and recovery 
• Strategies that Robyn has used to get stronger with fewer flare-ups
• Their personal experiences navigating flare-ups and bad body days

Connect with Nikki on Instagram @naablevyfitness

Join Nikki's list for more hypermobility resources!