On Pain, Exercise, & Healthcare with Hypermobility with Dr. Melissa Koehl

Explicit content warning

03/03/24 • 69 min

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

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

Previous Episode

Scientific Claims on Social Media. Who Can You Trust? with Travis Pollen

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.

Next Episode

HRV for recovery, POTS, and exercise intolerance with Dr. Mike T. Nelson

In this episode, Nikki chats with Dr. Mike T. Nelson to explore the intersection of heart rate variability (HRV) and navigating dysautonomia exercise intolerance.

Topics covered:

Understanding HRV: Learn what heart rate variability is and how it can gauge your readiness to exercise and your recovery capacity.
Wearable Tech Insights: Delve into how devices like the Garmin and Oura Ring measure HRV and their roles in health tracking.
HRV for Dysautonomia & POTS: Discover how HRV can be a game-changer for those with chronic conditions when navigating exercise and flare-ups
Establishing Exercise Baselines: Strategies for building exercise tolerance and resilience in the face of chronic conditions.
Managing Flare-Ups: Practical tips on using HRV data to navigate through flare-ups more effectively.
Improving HRV: Explore methods to improve your HRV, including cardio protocols and lifestyle changes that make a difference.

Links mentioned:

Dr. Mike's Website: https://miketnelson.com/

Dr. Mike's HRV Education Course: https://miketnelsons.samcart.com/products/hrv-education-course-w-dr-mike-t-nelson-enroll-now/

Join my list and get a free week of workouts: https://naablevy.com/free-guides