Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein
This podcast focuses on hypermobility and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). Host Dr. Linda Bluestein aims to educate and support individuals with bendy bodies, offering insights on preventing injury and managing chronic pain. The show creates a community for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to share experiences and advice.
Episodes
Flexibility as a Liability: What Circus Teaches Us about Hypermobility w/ Dr. Emily Scherb (Ep 210)
What if being “naturally flexible” is actually the thing putting you at risk for injury?
Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes back Dr. Emily Scherb, known as The Circus Doc, for a fascinating conversation about what circus performers can teach all hypermobile people about flexibility, strength, joint control, and injury prevention.
A physical therapist, researcher, and former circus performer, Dr. Scher
Tongue Tie, Trauma, Menopause & More: Your EDS Questions Answered with Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep 209)
Tongue tie and POTS? EDS without obvious hypermobility? Perimenopause making symptoms worse? And tongue numbness after a nerve block? In this listener Q&A, Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, and recurring co-host Dr. Dacre Knight, medical director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorders Center, tackle some of the complicated questions patients are asking—and where the eviden
Is the Ehlers-Danlos Umbrella Helping... or Hurting? with Abbey Phillipson (Ep 208)
Could lumping every type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome under one umbrella actually be doing more harm than good?
In this thought-provoking episode, host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, is joined by Abbey Phillipson, who was born with COL5A1 classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, survived the first recorded non-traumatic pediatric spondyloptosis, and now serves as Head Strength Coach for Paralym
Are EDS Treatments Moving Faster Than the Evidence? with Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep 207)
Are surgical risks in EDS exaggerated, underestimated, or simply misunderstood? And how can patients tell the difference between a promising treatment and an expensive procedure being marketed ahead of the evidence?
In this listener Q&A episode, host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, is joined by recurring co-host Dr. Dacre Knight, Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility
Medical Cannabis, hEDS, and the Sensitized Nervous System with Professor Dave Nutt & Lucy Stafford (Ep 206)
Why do some people with hEDS or HSD report meaningful relief with medical cannabis, while others feel worse, notice no benefit, or experience side effects? And what might these varied responses teach us about pain, the autonomic nervous system, gut function, and nervous system sensitization?
In this episode, host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, is joined by Professor David Nutt, a neur
The Hidden Link Between Long COVID, Lyme Disease & Hypermobility with Dr. Ina Stephens (Ep 205)
Can a single infection permanently change your health, or does it simply reveal something that was already there?
In this episode, host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, welcomes back Dr. Ina Stephens, Associate Director of the UVA Health EDS & Hypermobility Disorders Center, for an in-depth discussion about Long COVID, post-infectious syndromes, and their connection to Ehlers-Danlos s
What Most Doctors Never Explain About EDS | Office Hours (Ep 204)
If you could listen to just one conversation about Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), what would you need to know?
In this listener Q&A episode, producer Aron Korney puts host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, in the hot seat to answer the questions patients a
Why Small Wins Matter More Than Miracle Cures in EDS and HSD: The MENS-PMMS Method™ with Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep 203)
What does it really take to build an effective treatment plan for a condition that touches every system in the body, when there is no single magic pill?
In this episode, host Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD, is joined by recurring co-host Dr. Dacre Knight, Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorders Center, to complete their series on the MENS-PMMS Method™, Dr. Bl
EDS Information Overload: How to Know What to Trust | Ep. 202
Too many diagnoses. Too many opinions. Too many tabs open. Not enough clarity.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), POTS, MCAS, chronic pain, or other complex health issues, you're not alone.
In this episode of Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by physician assistant Rebecca
Physical Therapy for EDS: Why It Fails and How to Make It Work | Ep. 201
"Exercise is good for EDS." So why do so many hypermobile people get worse when they try it?
In this episode of Bendy Bodies with the Hypermobility MD, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by co-host Dr. Dacre Knight, Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorders Center, and physical therapist Dr. Morgan Groover to discuss one of the most misunderstood aspects of hypermobility car
Hypermobility Then and Now | Episode 200
What happens when the original voices behind Bendy Bodies come back together 200 episodes later?
In this special milestone episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein reunites with her original co-host, dance medicine specialist Jennifer Milner, and the very first guest ever featured on the podcast, Dr. Moira McCormack.
Long before hypermobility became a topic of widespread discussion, Dr. McCormack was as
Fatigue, Pain, Poor Sleep? It Could Be Vitamin D. | Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff & Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep. 199)
Could one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and slow recovery be hiding in plain sight?
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein and co-host Dr. Dacre Knight sit down with integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Gregory Plotnikoff to unpack why Vitamin D may be one of the most important, misunderstood, and cost-effective interventions in modern medicine.
But this conversa
Why Lipedema Resists Diet and Exercise with the Lipedema Foundation (Ep 198)
You have been told it is just weight. Just diet. Just effort.
For millions of women with lipedema, that is not just wrong. It is decades of unnecessary suffering.
In this episode of Bendy Bodies, I sit down with Kasi Grosvenor and Jesse Cochrane from the Lipedema Foundation to pull back the curtain on one of the most misdiagnosed and misunderstood conditions in women's health.
Kasi spent decade
Why Everything You've Been Told About EDS Lifestyle Is Wrong with Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep 197)
Most people with EDS or HSD have been told to "exercise more," "eat better," and "sleep on a schedule," usually by someone who has never tried to do any of those things in a hypermobile, pain-flaring, dysautonomic body.
This episode is different.
Dr. Linda Bluestein and Dr. Dacre Knight break down the foundational layer of the MENS PMMS treatment algorithm, a structured framework built specifica
Too Flexible to Fix? Orthopedic Surgery and Hypermobility with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein (Ep 196)
What if being too flexible is exactly what makes surgery fail? And what if your doctor thinks your shoulder is fine because you can lift your arm to 90 degrees, not realizing that for you, 90 degrees might as well be a frozen joint?
Your joints bend farther than most. But when something goes wrong, that same flexibility may be working against you and your surgeon may not know it yet.
In thi
Busting Common EDS & MCAS Myths with Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep 195)
In this "MythBusters" edition of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein and recurring co-host Dr. Dacre Knight tackle the persistent misconceptions surrounding Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and their frequent companions, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
Dr. Knight, Medical Director of the U
Told You’re “Too Sensitive”? It Might Be ADHD, Autism, and Hypermobility with Jessica Eccles (Ep 194)
Dr. Jessica Eccles, an award-winning neurodevelopmental psychiatrist, returns for a deep dive into the profound connections between hypermobility, variant connective tissue, and the neurodivergent brain.
In this conversation, she explores why individuals with bendy bodies are significantly more likely to be autistic or have ADHD, and how these conditions create a "spiky profile" of sensory and
Why Your MRI Looks “Normal” but You Still Have a CSF Leak with Dr. Andrew Callen (Ep 193)
Spinal cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leaks are significantly more common in those with connective tissue disorders than many realize, yet patients often suffer for years before finding the right diagnosis.
In this episode, neuroradiologist Dr. Andrew Callen joins Dr. Linda Bluestein and co-host Dr. Knight to discuss the complexities of CSF dynamics and the challenges of diagnosing leaks when rou
Tight Muscles, Loose Joints, Pelvic Pain: The Hypermobility Paradox with Dr. Brooke Winder (Ep 192)
In this essential conversation, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes pelvic health physical therapist and dance science expert Dr. Brooke Winder to explore the often-hidden intersection of pelvic health, performance, and joint hypermobility.
Dr. Winder shares her professional insights and personal history with urinary leakage as a young athlete, shedding light on why over a third of professional dance
Mast Cells to Microplastics with Dr. Anne Maitland and cohost Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep 191)
In this enlightening episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein and recurring co-host Dr. Dacre Knight sit down with nationally recognized expert Dr. Anne Maitland to explore a revolutionary perspective on allergic and immune-mediated disorders.
Dr. Maitland unpacks the "Epithelial Barrier Hypothesis," explaining how our modernized, industrialized environment, filled with microplastics, "forever chemicals,"
Validation and Empowerment: What EDS Patients Need to Know | Office Hours (Ep 190)
In this listener-inspired episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by producer Aron from Human Content to address the fundamental truths she wishes every patient knew about hypermobility. Together, they explore the "invisible" yet highly visible nature of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), providing a roadmap to help patients stop gaslighting themselves and sta
Eye Problems in EDS with Dr. Eric Singman and cohost Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep 189)
In this highly requested follow-up, Dr. Linda Bluestein and recurring co-host Dr. Dacre Knight welcome back neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Eric Singman to dive deeper into the complex intersection of the eyes, the brain, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Dr. Singman shares a vital triage guide for navigating the world of eye specialists, helping listeners distinguish between routine vision needs and neuro-
Arachnoiditis: The Severe Pain Condition Doctors Miss with Dr. Forest Tennant (Ep 188)
Severe back pain that refuses to respond to treatment may sometimes have a far more serious cause than most people realize. In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Linda Bluestein speaks with Dr. Forest Tennant, a longtime physician and researcher who has spent decades studying adhesive arachnoiditis, a rare but devastating inflammatory condition affecting the nerves in the lower spinal canal. Often
Lifestyle Factors That Truly Change EDS Outcomes with Dr. Ina Stephens (Ep 187)
When living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hypermobility disorders, medications alone rarely resolve all the symptoms. In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Ina Stephens, integrative medicine specialist and Associate Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorders Center, for a wide-ranging conversation about how lifestyle medicine, nervous syste
What to Treat First When Everything Is Flaring with Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep 186)
There is no magic treatment for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, or mast cell activation disorders, but there is strategy. In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dacre Knight, MD, founding Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorders Center, for a practical and deeply thoughtful conversation about how complex chronic conditions should actually be treat
When POTS Isn’t the Whole Story: What Doctors Often Miss | Office Hours (Ep 185)
POTS is a real diagnosis, but it isn’t always the whole story. In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Linda Bluestein takes a deep dive into POTS imitators: conditions that can mimic, worsen, or coexist with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and quietly derail treatment progress. Inspired by listener questions and real-world clinical patterns, the episode explores why some people do “everyth
Why Doctors Miss EDS, POTS, and MCAS with Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep 184)
Why are people with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, POTS, and mast cell disorders so frequently misdiagnosed, or dismissed entirely? In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Dacre Knight, Medical Director of the UVA Health EDS and Hypermobility Disorders Center, for a wide-ranging conversation about why complex, multisystem conditions continue to fall through the cracks of mo
Pelvic Pain in EDS: What Doctors Miss and Why It Matters with Dr Rachel Rubin (Ep 183)
Pelvic pain, bladder symptoms, and sexual health concerns are incredibly common in people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, yet they’re often misunderstood, dismissed, or treated in isolation.
In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Rachel Rubin, a board-certified urologist and nationally recognized leader in sexual medicine, to unpack why connective tissue disorders, ma
The Biggest Mistake in EDS Care and How to Fix It with Dr. Ina Stephens & Dr. Dacre Knight (Ep 182)
What would it look like if people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome finally had a true medical home?
In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Ina Stephens and Dr. Dacre Knight to share the story behind the newly launched University of Virginia Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Center, how it came to be, why it was urgently needed, and what makes it fundamentally different from tradi
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: The Diagnosis Most Doctors Miss with Dr. Lawrence Afrin (Ep 181)
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is one of the most misunderstood, and underrecognized, conditions in modern medicine. In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Lawrence Afrin, one of the world’s leading experts on mast cell disease, to unpack why MCAS is so often missed, why tryptase alone is not enough to diagnose it, and how this condition may be driving chronic inflammation, neurologi
When Eye Exams Miss the Real Problem in EDS with Dr. Eric Singman (Ep 180)
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Eric Singman, a neuro-ophthalmologist who lives at the intersection of the eyes, the brain, and the complex symptoms so many people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome experience. They dig into why EDS patients often struggle with vision even when everything looks “normal,” why convergence problems and visual fatigue are so common, and how conditions l
Chronic Pain, Focus, and the Brain Shift Psychedelics Reveal with Dr. Shimi Kang (Ep 179)
In this expansive and deeply affirming conversation, Linda Bluestein and Shimi Kang explore a powerful idea: true healing comes from connection, not control—especially when living with chronic pain, nervous system dysregulation, or complex, overlapping conditions.
They unpack the neuroscience of emotional regulation and why chronic pain so often disrupts attention, focus, and cognitive flexibilit
What If It’s Not IBS or Anxiety? A Vascular Surgeon Explains with Dr. Robert Hacker (Ep 178)
What if your chronic pain, bloating, or fatigue wasn’t in your head, but in your blood vessels? In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with vascular surgeon Dr. Robert Hacker, who’s on the front lines of diagnosing and treating complex conditions like MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome), Nutcracker Syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome, and pelvic venous congestion syndrome, conditions that d
Rectal Prolapse, Dyscalculia & Dyspraxia: The Connective Tissue Connection | Office Hours (Ep 177)
In this Office Hours episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein tackles some of the most challenging questions from our listeners and dive deep into the overlooked intersections of hypermobility, surgical complications, and neurodiversity. What happens when five rectal prolapse surgeries fail? Dr. Bluestein breaks down why so many surgical interventions fall short for people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndr
The Roadmap That Could Change EDS Forever with Lara Bloom (Ep 176)
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with Lara Bloom, President and CEO of The Ehlers-Danlos Society, for a revealing look behind the curtain of the Society’s ambitious global roadmap to 2026. What will it take to finally change the trajectory for people with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes) and HSD (Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders)? Why have progress and awareness lagged for so long? And
POTS Revisited: Embolization, GLP-1 & Daily Management with Dr. Alexis Cutchins (Ep 175)
In this info-packed episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with cardiologist Dr. Alexis Cutchins, an expert in pelvic venous disease (PVD) and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), to tackle one of the most misunderstood vascular conditions in complex patients. From treatment options and expected outcomes to what really happens after embolization procedures, they unpack the physiology
What No One Tells You About Pregnancy with EDS | Office Hours (Ep 174)
Think EDS and pregnancy is a straightforward conversation? Think again. In this jam-packed Office Hours episode, I dig into everything I wish someone had told me and everything I’ve since learned from patients, research, and my own pregnancies. From racing heart rates and failed epidurals to postpartum complications and misunderstood mental health shifts, we’re laying it all out. We explore rapid
Why Are So Many People Misdiagnosed With TMJ Disorders? With Professor Renton (Ep 173)
In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Professor Tara Renton, a globally recognized expert in orofacial pain, to explore the nuanced world of facial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and migraine disorders. Together, they unpack why so many patients suffer from persistent facial, jaw, or head pain despite “normal” scans and what magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) can re
The Truth About Ballet Bodies with ABTs Skylar Brandt (Ep 172)
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 break
From Nitrous to Nerves: MTHFR, CRPS & Cervical Collars Unpacked | Office Hours (EP 171)
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
When Surgery Isn’t Simple: What hEDS Patients Should Know Before Going Under | Office Hours (Ep 170)
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 patien
Could Psychiatric Symptoms Be Hiding a Physical Illness? with Dr. Janet Settle (Ep 169)
In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Janet Settle to unpack the medical mystery that is mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and why it may be hiding in plain sight as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or even psychosis. Together, they explore how immune system dysregulation can masquerade as psychiatric illness, and why so many patients are misdi
From Palliative Care to Purpose: The Tilly Rose Story (Ep 168)
In this emotionally charged episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein talks with Tilly Rose, the founder of That Oxford Girl and the author of Be Patient, about what it’s like to face palliative care as a young adult and come out the other side fighting for change. They explore how Tilly transformed her private pain into public advocacy, why chronic illness is so often misunderstood in young people, and what h
The Diagnosis Hiding In Your Pelvis with Dr. Alexis Cutchins (Ep 167)
In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein speaks with Dr. Alexis Cutchins, a cardiologist passionate about uncovering missed and misunderstood diagnoses. One of those? Pelvic Venous Disease, a condition affecting countless patients but rarely identified. They explore how PVD can mimic or exacerbate conditions like dysautonomia, MCAS, and chronic pelvic pain and how many patients are left cy
What If Your Spine Surgery Wasn't Necessary? with Dr. Betsy Grunch (Ep 166)
In this episode of Bendy Bodies, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by neurosurgeon and social media educator Dr. Betsy Grunch to tackle complex questions around spine health, chronic pain, and the unique challenges faced by people with hypermobility and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). Together, they explore why “normal” MRIs don’t always tell the whole story, when surge
Dancing Stronger: Smarter Training for Bendy Bodies with Jennifer Milner (BEN 165)
In this empowering episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by OG Bendy Bodies cohost, Jennifer Milner. Jen is a ballet coach, Pilates trainer, and specialist in working with hypermobile bodies. Together they explore why traditional movement cues don’t always work for bendy bodies, how dancers and athletes can train smarter (not harder), and what it really takes to move with strength when your body
Are You Being Gaslit About Hormones and Health? | Office Hours (Ep 164)
In this raw and reflective Office Hours episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein responds to listener feedback and dives deep into the cultural and clinical gaslighting faced by people, especially women, navigating complex health conditions. From the dismissal of perimenopause to the rise of so-called “TikTok diseases,” Dr. Bluestein explores the dangerous disconnect between lived experiences and clinical ske
Hidden Causes of Abdominal Pain in EDS with Dr. Pradeep Chopra (Ep 163)
Abdominal pain in EDS can be a puzzle with countless hidden pieces. In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes back Dr. Pradeep Chopra for part two of their exploration into gastrointestinal problems. Together, they uncover overlooked causes of abdominal pain, from drooping intestines and tethered spinal cords to mast cell activation and nerve entrapment. Listeners will hear surprising connecti
Hypermobility Problems with Anesthesiologist Dr. Linda Bluestein | Glaucomfleckens Bonus Episode
In honor of Pain Awareness Month, I wanted to share an episode of one of my favorite healthcare podcasts, “Knock Knock Hi with the Glaucomfleckens.” In this interview from last July, Will and Kristin Flanary (AKA Dr. and Lady Glaucomflecken) kindly invited me on to talk about my journey from ballet to anesthesiology to integrative pain care, and how hypermobility and chronic pain are often overloo
EDS Foot and Ankle issues with Dr. Patrick Agnew (Ep 162)
In this informative and eye-opening episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Patrick Agnew, who specializes in treating patients with joint hypermobility and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. Together, they explore why lower extremity pain and dysfunction are so common and often misunderstood in EDS and HSD (Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders). F
Dental Myths & EDS Truths with Dr. Audrey Kershaw (Ep 161)
Dr. Audrey Kershaw returns to chat with Dr. Linda Bluestein and demystify wisdom tooth extraction, appliances for TMJ disorder, and everyday oral health habits for people with EDS/HSD. We cover when third molars should be removed (and when they shouldn’t), why local anesthetic can fail in some patients, how to approach dental procedures when CCI (craniocervical instability) is a concern, and what
Parenting Making You Both Sick? with Dr. Shimi Kang (Ep 160)
Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by award-winning psychiatrist and author Dr. Shimi Kang to explore a radical, yet intuitive concept: that play, creativity, and rest aren’t luxuries - they’re medicine. In a world where high-achievers and neurodivergent thinkers are pushed to exhaustion, Dr. Kang unpacks how this cultural mindset leads to burnout, inflammation, and chronic illness. Drawing from both c
Truth Bombs & Backlash with Kate Colbert (Ep 159)
After a wave of passionate listener feedback sparked intense conversations behind the scenes, The Bendy Bodies Podcast returns with a candid and heartfelt follow-up. In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by author and communications expert Kate Colbert to openly address the concerns raised about recent content and to set the record straight. From questions about language and lived experie
Discussing Your Feedback: Pain, Autism & hEDS Diagnostic Criteria | Office Hours (Ep 158)
In the season five finale of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein reflects on powerful listener feedback and opens up important conversations about language, intent, and identity in medicine. She clarifies the purpose behind episodes on pain neuroscience and mast cells in autism, acknowledges the concerns raised, and discusses the fine line between supporting physiology and honoring ident
Can Pain Education Lessen Chronic Pain with Adriaan Louw, DPT? (Ep 156)
In this illuminating episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with pain neuroscientist and physical therapist Dr. Adriaan Louw to explore the power of education in managing chronic pain. With a passion for helping people understand the "why" behind their symptoms, Dr. Louw breaks down the science of how the brain processes pain, why knowledge can reduce fear, and how chan
Could Your Gut Pain Be EDS-Related? with Dr. Pradeep Chopra (Ep 157)
In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down once again with fellow pain specialist Dr. Pradeep Chopra to take listeners on a guided “walk” through the GI tract. From teeth to the stomach and beyond, they uncover how connective tissue disorders like EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes) and HSD (Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders) along with POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycard
Gluten, MTHFR, Mast Cells, and More | Office Hours (Ep 155)
In this solo episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein tackles a series of complex listener questions originally submitted by clinicians after her guest appearance on The Curbsiders internal medicine podcast. From the flaws in the EDS diagnostic criteria to the misunderstood role of MTHFR gene (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase), SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), celiac disease,
Revising the Hypermobile EDS Criteria with Dr. Pradeep Chopra (Ep 154)
In this compelling episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by her longtime mentor and internationally respected EDS expert, Dr. Pradeep Chopra. Together, they tackle some of the most frustrating—and frequently misunderstood—questions surrounding hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). From major flaws in the 2017 diagnostic criteria to the hidden surgical risks that c
Why Do Some GI Problems Hide from Every Test? with Dr. Zachary Spiritos (Ep 153)
Dr. Linda Bluestein dives deep into the tangled web of gastrointestinal disorders with neurogastroenterologist Dr. Zachary Spiritos. They tackle the silent struggles of patients with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), especially those whose GI tests always come back “normal.” From misunderstood motility problems
What Can Difficulty Swallowing and Voice Fatigue Mean? (Ep 152)
Speech-language pathologist and vocal specialist Stacy Menton joins Dr. Linda Bluestein to expose the surprising links between connective tissue disorders like EDS and common (but misunderstood) issues with voice, breathing, and swallowing. From overlooked diagnostics to cutting-edge therapies and startling new research, this conversation peels back the curtain on symptoms often dismissed or misdi
Mast Cells: Friend or Foe? with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides (Ep 151)
What if your brain fog, fatigue, and hypersensitivity weren’t “just anxiety”—but signs of a much deeper immune malfunction?
In this episode, Dr. Pradeep Chopra co-hosts a rare and revealing conversation with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, the scientist who first discovered that mast cells communicate with microglia in the brain. Together, they dive into groundbreaking research on neuroinflammation, a
Misunderstood and Overlooked: hEDS, FND & Autism | Office Hours (Ep 150)
You asked. I answered. In this solo Q&A, I tackle some of the biggest and most misunderstood questions from our Bendy Bodies community. From toddlers flagged for autism to adults fighting for an EDS diagnosis, from altitude flares to functional neurologic disorder, this episode pulls no punches.
I talk low-dose naltrexone (LDN), altitude hacks, medication struggles, and the quiet panic of a dia
Are Your Breast Implants Making You Sick? with Dr. Eva Nagy (Ep 149)
What if your breast implants were silently fueling your fatigue, anxiety, rashes, or brain fog—and no one believed you? In this powerful episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein speaks with renowned breast surgeon Dr. Eva Nagy who’s become a global voice for patients suffering from Breast Implant Illness (BII).
Together, they uncover the overlooked signs of mast cell activation, connective tissue involvement
Hidden Causes of Pain ‘Down There’ with Dr. Andrew Goldstein (Ep 148)
What if the pain you’ve been told to ignore… was actually coming from your hips, your spine—or your immune system? In this deep-dive episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Andrew Goldstein, an expert in sexual pain disorders, to unravel the misunderstood causes of vulvar and pelvic pain in people with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) , and POTS (Postural Or
Is There Any Hope for Broken Healthcare? (Ep 147)
What if your rushed, robotic medical visit isn’t just frustrating, but a symptom of something much darker? In this powerful episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with Dr. Victor Montori, author of Why We Revolt, to explore what’s truly broken in healthcare and why patients and clinicians are suffering on the same side of the fight.
Together, they uncover the corrosive impact of industrialized, f
What’s Behind the Rise in Chemical Sensitivity? | Office Hours (Ep 146)
What if your symptoms weren’t isolated… but signals in a much larger system breakdown? In this wide-ranging solo Q&A, Dr. Linda Bluestein uncovers the hidden threads connecting uncontrolled pain before surgery, unexplained eye issues, MCAS, multiple chemical sensitivity, Alpha-gal syndrome, and even autism risk.
From the scar tissue no one warned you about to the medication that works—but doctors
Are Mast Cells Driving Autism? with Dr. Pejman Katiraei (Ep 145)
What if the diagnosis was just the beginning—and the root cause was hiding in plain sight? In this riveting episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes pediatrician and integrative medicine expert Dr. Pejman Katiraei, whose work with children struggling with autism, mold exposure, and mast cell activation reveals a shocking truth: many kids aren’t just neurodivergent—they have neuroinflammation.
Togeth
Unraveling Fatigue: Exploring ME/CFS, and Long COVID (Ep 144)
What if your body’s collapse wasn’t burnout… but a system crash no test can catch? In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes Isabelle Ramirez Burnett, systems engineer, health coach, and founder of Renegade Research, to reveal the silent breakdowns behind ME/CFS, long COVID, and hypermobility-related illness.
Diagnosed with ME/CFS at just 7 years old, Isabelle pulls back the curtain on deca
Dental Problems in EDS with Dr. Audrey Kershaw (Ep 143)
What if your dental history held the key to a complex diagnosis no one’s caught? In this gripping episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes Dr. Audrey Kershaw, a trailblazing oral surgeon who’s uncovered hundreds of hidden Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) cases—starting in the dental chair.
From patients who “can’t numb up,” to decades-long battles with halitosis, gum fragil
Is Your EDS Party Trick Causing Long-Term Damage? | Office Hours (EP 142)
What if the very things you do to feel or look better are quietly making you worse? In this solo episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein answers listener questions—but what begins as a practical Q&A quickly dives into rarely discussed truths about cosmetic procedures, EMFs, neuroinflammation, and even fragrances as dangerous triggers.
You’ll hear surprising stories from patients
Top Therapists Share Tips for Surviving EDS (Ep 141)
What happens when illness hijacks your love story? In this raw and revealing episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with therapists and real-life couple Melissa Dickinson and Tom Query, who know firsthand how Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can test—and transform—a relationship.
From secret diagnoses to unexpected intimacy challenges, they open up about their personal journey navigating chronic illness, c
Why Are You So Exhausted? with Dr. Brayden P. Yellman (Ep 140)
What if the fatigue you feel isn’t just “tiredness”—but the result of an entirely different physiological state? In this riveting episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with Dr. Brayden P. Yellman of the Bateman Horne Center to explore ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome)—a misunderstood condition that masquerades as general exhaustion but goes much deeper.
Together, they u
Hidden Histamine Threats with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides (Ep 139)
What if the symptoms you've been chasing—brain fog, fatigue, bladder pain, even anxiety—were all connected by one overlooked cell type? In this fascinating episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein is joined by Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, one of the world’s leading experts on mast cells, to unravel the hidden roles they play in some of the most complex chronic illnesses.
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Lower Your EDS Pain | Office Hours (EP 138)
In this solo Q&A episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein answers your biggest hypermobility questions, tackling topics like whether getting an official EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes) diagnosis is worth it, which pain medications actually help, how to improve posture, and the growing stigma around EDS. She also discusses visceroptosis (organ prolapse), posture braces, and the legalities of medical centers refu
Signs of Tethered Cord You Shouldn’t Ignore with Dr. Petra Klinge (Ep 137)
In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes Dr. Petra Klinge, a renowned neurosurgeon specializing in tethered cord syndrome (TCS), Chiari malformation, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders. They dive deep into occult tethered cord syndrome, a condition where MRI scans appear normal, yet patients still experience neurological symptoms, chronic pain, and bladder/bow
Hidden Triggers of Complex Illness with Dr. David Kaufman (Ep 136)
In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein sits down with Dr. David Kaufman, a specialist in complex illnesses, to discuss how infections, immune dysfunction, and connective tissue disorders intersect. They explore why many chronic illnesses are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. This includes conditions like ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyeltiis/chronic fatigue syndrome), Long CO
The Truth About Hormone Therapy | Office Hours (EP 135)
In this solo episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein dives deep into the complex world of hormones, menopause, and connective tissue disorders. She explores how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact joint health, the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and why menopause can worsen EDS symptoms. Dr. Bluestein also breaks down gender-affirming hormone
Why Sjogren’s is Often Misdiagnosed with Dr. Kara Wada (Ep 134)
In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes Dr. Kara Wada, an allergy and immunology expert, to explore Sjogren’s disease and its connection to hypermobility, dysautonomia, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). They discuss why Sjogren’s is one of the most underdiagnosed autoimmune conditions, its symptoms beyond dryness, and how it intertwines with POTS (postural
How Internists Think About Complex Illness with Dr. Matthew Watto (Ep 133)
In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein speaks with Dr. Matthew Watto, an internist and co-host of The Curbsiders podcast, about how patients can work effectively with their internist to get the best care. They discuss how internists think, why appointment times are limited, and strategies for getting the most out of every visit. Dr. Watto shares behind-the-scenes insights
Reversing Brain Fog & Inflammation with Dr. Ilene Ruhoy (Ep 132)
In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes Dr. Ilene Ruhoy, a board-certified neurologist and environmental toxicologist, for an in-depth discussion on brain fog, cognitive dysfunction, and chronic fatigue in conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and dysautonomia. Dr. Ruhoy shares insights on the immune system’s role in n
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