InVisible

In this episode of The Invisible Podcast, Dr. Ashton Wilson chats with Jeannie Di Bon, movement therapist, founder of The Zebra Club, and author of The Integral Movement Method for Hypermobility Management.Jeannie shares her personal journey with hypermobility and her 16+ years of working with the hypermobility community. They explore why traditional approaches to exercise don't always work for hypermobile bodies, the importance of nervous system safety, proprioception and stability, and how people can rebuild trust and connection with their bodies.In this episode, we discuss:
Jeannie's journey from movement therapist to becoming a leading voice in hypermobility management.
How she discovered that she herself had hypermobile EDS after decades of unexplained symptoms.
The development of her Integral Movement Method and the six principles behind it.
Why safety needs to come before stability and strength.
How chronic pain and repeated injuries can affect a person's trust and relationship with their body.
The role of breath, relaxation and nervous system regulation in movement.
Why hypermobile people may benefit from starting with smaller ranges of movement and slower exercises.
The connection between proprioception, stability, breath and body awareness.
Why "just get stronger" isn't always helpful advice for someone with hypermobility.
Why strength training can be beneficial, but needs to be introduced gradually and appropriately.
Jeannie's experience presenting at the EDS Global Learning Conference in Dallas.
The importance of patient innovation and lived experience in shaping healthcare.
The upcoming changes to EDS diagnostic criteria discussed in the episode.
Why movement "snacks" can be useful when spending long periods sitting.
Whether ITB issues are related to hypermobility and why looking at the whole body matters.
Why Jeannie doesn't recommend foam rolling the ITB for her hypermobile clients.
Whether Pilates is the best form of exercise for hypermobile people.
Advice for practitioners who want to work with hypermobile clients.
Why practitioners don't need to be hypermobile themselves to support this community.
The importance of empathy, curiosity and actually listening to patients.
Jeannie's 3 Key Takeaways1. Don't give up hope. Regardless of your age, ability or current capacity, there is always something that can be done.2. Listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right or an exercise continually causes pain without progress, it's okay to question it and try something different.3. Trust your gut. You know your body better than anyone else. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself or find another practitioner if you don't feel heard.Jeannie's Life-Changing HackLearning to rest without guilt.Jeannie explains that she used to constantly push herself to keep going, but has learned that rest needs to be intentionally built into her day so she can function at her best.A Message to Her Younger Self
"Everything's going to be okay in the end."
After growing up being told she was a hypochondriac and an attention seeker, Jeannie wishes she could have trusted herself more and known that her experiences were real.What Jeannie Wants to See Change in HealthcareMore education about connective tissue disorders in medical and physiotherapy training.Rather than having EDS and connective tissue disorders reduced to a brief mention in a lecture, Jeannie hopes future healthcare professionals will graduate with a genuine understanding of how these conditions can affect multiple systems throughout the body.About Jeannie Di BonJeannie Di Bon is a movement therapist specialising in hypermobility and EDS. She is the founder of The Zebra Club and creator of the Integral Movement Method, which focuses on helping people with hypermobility develop safety, stability, strength and greater awareness of their bodies.She is also the author of The Integral Movement Method for Hypermobility Management.Find JeannieWebsite: jeanniedibon.com The Zebra Club: thezebra.club Instagram: @jeannie_di Book: The Integral Movement Method for Hypermobility Management by Jeannie Di BonAbout The Invisible PodcastHosted by Dr. Ashton Wilson, The Invisible Podcast explores invisible illness, hypermobility, chronic conditions and the lived experiences of people navigating healthcare with conditions that aren't always visible.Follow Dr. Ashton Wilson on Instagram: @doc_ashtonn

In this episode of The Invisible Podcast, Dr. Ashton Wilson chats with chiropractor Dr. Kai Taylor from Perth, Western Australia, about hypermobility, invisible illness, women’s health, and the often-overlooked connections between conditions such as hypermobility, endometriosis, POTS, MCAS, and ADHD.Dr. Kai shares her own journey from experiencing unexplained symptoms as a child to being diagnosed with endometriosis and ADHD, and eventually discovering the broader connections between her symptoms and hypermobility. She also explains how her personal experiences shaped her work with hypermobile patients.In this episode, they discuss:
Dr. Kai’s personal journey with hypermobility and how her childhood symptoms eventually connected with later diagnoses.
The relationship between hypermobility, endometriosis, pelvic pain and other conditions affecting women.
Why severe period pain should not simply be dismissed as “normal.”
The emerging research around endometriosis, hypermobility and mast cell activation.
The importance of recognising patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Why allied health practitioners can play an important role in screening, identifying red flags and referring patients for further investigation.
How Dr. Kai approaches treating hypermobile patients within shorter chiropractic appointments.
The role of screening questionnaires and medical history in identifying conditions such as POTS, MCAS, ADHD and hypermobility.
When adjustments and manual therapy may—or may not—be appropriate for hypermobile patients.
The importance of consent, clinical reasoning and being able to justify every treatment decision.
Why exercises, lifestyle advice and patient education are essential alongside hands-on treatment.
The danger of relying solely on adjustments or manual therapy to manage hypermobility.
How practitioners can move beyond their “hands-on” skills and recognise the value of their knowledge, guidance and referrals.
The importance of advocating for yourself when symptoms are severe, persistent or dismissed.
Why greater awareness of hypermobility and related conditions is needed across healthcare.
Dr. Kai’s Top 3 Takeaways1. Common does not equal normal.Period pain, debilitating headaches, fatigue and other symptoms may be common, but that doesn't automatically make them normal. Severe or life-disrupting symptoms deserve investigation.2. Allied health practitioners have an important role.Practitioners don't need to diagnose every condition themselves. Being aware of the signs, asking the right questions, screening appropriately and referring patients when needed can make a significant difference.3. Advocate for yourself.If you're experiencing severe pelvic pain, debilitating periods, widespread body aches or other symptoms that don't feel right, don't simply accept them as something you have to live with. Seek further investigation and learn more about your own body.A Practical Hack: Schedule White SpaceDr. Kai shares one habit that changed her life: deliberately scheduling “white space” into her calendar.Rather than filling every available hour, she leaves time where she has no commitments and can decide what her body needs—whether that's resting, gardening, catching up on life or simply doing nothing.For people managing fatigue, ADHD, endometriosis or hypermobility, creating intentional space can support pacing and help reduce the pressure to constantly be “doing.”A Message to Her Younger SelfDr. Kai's message to her younger self is simple:Eventually, the dots will connect.Looking back at childhood symptoms, painful periods and other experiences, many things that once seemed unrelated began to make sense once she understood her diagnoses. Her journey ultimately shaped the practitioner she became.What Needs to Change in Healthcare?Dr. Kai hopes to see greater awareness and collaboration across healthcare.Rather than expecting one practitioner to know or treat everything, she believes practitioners should recognise when something may be outside their scope, refer appropriately and work together as a team.Even simply recognising the possibility of hypermobility, POTS, MCAS or endometriosis could help patients receive answers much sooner.Find Dr. Kai TaylorDr. Kai Taylor can be found on Instagram at @dr.kai.taylorShe is also developing The Hypermobility Collective, a community-focused initiative for women in Perth.About The Invisible PodcastHosted by Dr. Ashton Wilson, The Invisible Podcast explores invisible illness, hypermobility, chronic conditions and the experiences of people navigating healthcare and life with conditions that aren't always immediately visible.Follow Dr. Ashton Wilson on Instagram: @doc_ashtonn

Strength Training for Hypermobility: Building Stability Without Burnout | Dr. Melissa KoehlEpisode SummaryCan strength training actually help a hypermobile body feel stronger, more stable, and less painful?In this episode of The Invisible Podcast, Dr. Ashton Wilson is joined by Dr. Melissa Koehl, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Pilates instructor, and hypermobility specialist, to explore one of the most important topics in hypermobility management—strength training.Together, they discuss why building strength is essential for people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and symptomatic joint hypermobility, while also explaining why traditional fitness advice often doesn't work for this population.Dr. Melissa shares practical strategies for exercising safely, managing recovery, avoiding post-exertional crashes, and learning how to work with your body rather than against it.The conversation also covers the latest insights from the EDS Global Learning Conference, including exciting developments in understanding orthostatic intolerance and POTS.Whether you're newly diagnosed, living with chronic pain, or simply trying to find an exercise approach that actually works, this episode offers practical guidance grounded in both clinical expertise and lived experience.What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why strength training is one of the most effective tools for managing hypermobility symptoms
How muscle strength improves joint stability and protects hypermobile joints
Why recovery matters more than the workout itself
The biggest mistakes people make when starting strength training
How to find your own exercise capacity without triggering symptom flares
Why "more exercise" isn't always better for hypermobile bodies
The importance of pacing and progressive overload
How dysautonomia, POTS, and orthostatic intolerance impact exercise tolerance
Why rest between sets is essential—not lazy
Safe ways to include stretching without overstretching joints
Simple programming strategies for beginners and intermediate exercisers
How compression garments can improve symptoms for people with orthostatic intolerance
Practical recovery strategies to reduce post-exercise fatigue
Key TakeawaysMeet your body where it is todayYour body's capacity changes from day to day. Instead of judging your workout by how you feel during exercise, evaluate how you feel over the following 24–48 hours.Start with less than you thinkOne of the biggest mistakes people make is doing too much, too soon. Beginning with around 50% of what you think you're capable of allows your body to adapt safely and reduces the risk of setbacks.Recovery is part of trainingStrength gains happen during recovery—not during the workout itself. Proper rest, nervous system regulation, hydration, pacing, and allowing your heart rate to recover between sets are all essential components of successful training.Highlights From This Episode
Dr. Melissa's experience attending the EDS Global Learning Conference
New research surrounding orthostatic intolerance and POTS
Why many patients don't need a tilt table test to begin receiving treatment
The emotional importance of clinicians believing patients' symptoms
Melissa's personal journey from competitive gymnast to hypermobility specialist
Why Pilates, strength training, and yoga each play different but complementary roles
Understanding post-exertional malaise and exercise recovery
Why consistency matters more than intensity
How strength training differs for hypermobile individuals compared to the general population
Questions AnsweredDoes stretching make hypermobility worse?Not necessarily. Stretching can still be beneficial when performed safely. Dynamic stretching, using props, and avoiding prolonged end-range positions can help protect joints while improving muscle flexibility.Why do my knees hurt during strength training?Knee pain isn't always caused by the knees themselves. Weakness or instability in the hips, feet, or surrounding muscles may increase the workload on the knees. Improving movement quality, alignment, and overall strength can often help.What's the best exercise for someone with hypermobility?The best exercise is the one you can perform consistently. However, strength training offers one of the greatest long-term benefits for improving joint stability and managing symptoms.Memorable Quotes
"Your body doesn't always tell you its true capacity during the workout—it tells you over the next 48 hours.""You can always do more later. You can't undo doing too much.""Strength training is the main course. Pilates and yoga are the side dishes.""Consistency doesn't have to be perfect to be effective.""Meet your body where it is—not where you wish it was."
Resources Mentioned
Strength training for hypermobility
Pilates for joint stability
Orthostatic intolerance
POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
Compression garments for dysautonomia
Progressive overload
Post-exertional malaise
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)
Connect with Dr. Melissa KoehlFollow Dr. Melissa for evidence-based education and practical resources on hypermobility, strength training, and movement.
Instagram: @dr.melissakoehl.pt
YouTube: Dr. Melissa Koehl, PT
Enjoyed this Episode?If you found this conversation helpful, be sure to subscribe to The Invisible Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating hypermobility, chronic pain, POTS, or connective tissue disorders.Every share helps more people access evidence-based information and reminds those living with invisible illnesses that they're not alone.

Episode Summary
In this episode of The Invisible Podcast, host Dr. Ashton Wilson sits down with Katie Cleary, pediatric physiotherapist and Director of Ocean Kids Health. Drawing from both her personal experience with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and over 15 years of clinical expertise, Katie shares key insights into recognizing, validating, and treating pediatric hypermobility.
Together, they explore the new 2023 international pediatric diagnostic criteria, the crucial link between hypermobility and neurodivergence, practical tips for busy families, and why movement should always be play-based, empowering, and fun.
Key Takeaways
Listen to and Validate Children Early: When a child reports pain, fatigue, or difficulty keeping up, take them seriously. Early intervention prevents acute issues from becoming chronic challenges.
The 2023 Pediatric Diagnostic Criteria: Designed specifically for ages 5–18, this framework replaces adult-centric tools to properly classify pediatric hypermobility subtypes (symptomatic and asymptomatic).
Hypermobility & Neurodivergence: Conditions like Autism, ADHD, and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) frequently co-occur with hypermobility due to underlying sensory processing differences and joint proprioception needs.
Make Movement Fun: Effective pediatric therapy relies on residual heat, bodyweight play, pool work, and games—not rigid or boring home exercise routines.
Pacing over Consistency: Shift the mindset from rigid daily routines to "continuing" at a natural pace to avoid burnout for both kids and parents.
Timestamped Chapter Outline
Timestamp
Chapter Title
00:00
Introduction & Welcome
01:25
The Origins of Ocean Kids Health
02:50
Katie’s Personal Journey with Hypermobility
07:40
How Hypermobility Presents in Early Childhood
10:45
Understanding the 2023 Pediatric Diagnostic Criteria
12:00
Play-Based Treatment Strategies & Movement Therapy
16:38
Overcoming Challenges: System Barriers & Time Poverty
20:19
The Link Between Neurodivergence and Hypermobility
25:11
The Future of Therapeutic Guidelines
30:42
Audience Q&A: Early Signs, Intervention & Running
36:12
Hypotonia (Low Tone) vs. Hypermobility
41:36
Katie’s Top Takeaways for Parents and Clinicians
44:13
Rapid-Fire Questions & Final Thoughts
Key Quotes
"I just love helping families get that diagnosis and recognition, because the sooner we know what's going on, the more support we can give kiddos to have a much better quality of life."
— Katie Cleary
"Movement is medicine for all of our little people. It doesn't matter how you move or what movement you do, but finding joy in it is what keeps kids going."
— Katie Cleary
Mentioned Resources & Links
Ocean Kids Health Website: oceankidshealth.com.au
Connect with Katie Cleary: LinkedIn
International Pediatric Diagnostic Criteria (2023): Developed via The Ehlers-Danlos Society Pediatric Working Group.

Ever feel like your eyes are exhausted by 3 PM, or suffer from mysterious end-of-day headaches? In this episode, Dr. Ashton Wilson sits down with Newport optometrist and university lecturer Victor El-Khoury to unpack the surprising connection between eye health, chronic inflammation, and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD).
We dive deep into why "dry eye" is actually a systemic inflammatory issue, why eye drops are often just a band-aid solution, and how hidden eye muscle fatigue can directly trigger neck pain, TMJ issues, and migraines.
What we discuss in this episode:
The Reality of Dry Eyes: Why 80% of cases are actually Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and why "watery eyes" are a classic sign of inflammation.
The "Eye Gym" Analogy: How computer screens put our eyes through a grueling 12-hour workout, and how specialized lenses can stop a visual system crash.
The Hypermobility & Collagen Connection: How hypermobility impacts the eye's delicate tracking muscles, leading to Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD).
Audience Q&A: Vic breaks down the physiology of the 20-20-20 rule, how to manage eye flares if you have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and the true "Toyota of eye drops."
Connect with our Guest:
Visit Victor El-Khoury at iLab Newport.

In this episode, Dr Ashton Wilson (Osteopath) chats with Naturopath Kris Jasper about the management of Mast cell activation syndrome. We also take a deep dive into the road to 2026 and what’s to come with the updated diagnostic criteria for hEDS and HSD. It's jam packed with goodness!

In this supercharged episode, Sports Chiro Luke Nelson joins me on the podcast to discuss the different kinds of stress that can impact injury recovery. This conversation takes lots of twists and turns into the demands of running, long term injury and mental health. Luke is a brilliant guest and speaks with such passion about his work.Find Luke on Instagram @sportschiroluke

In this episode, Hannah shares some of her research findings about the impact of the menstrual cycle on female athletes. Hannah’s research is embedded in the Western Bulldogs AFLW program, and she shares some insights into the different effects hormones have on our female athletic performance. This is a great chat on a topic that desperately needs more of this kind of research, a worthy listen!

In this episode I’m joined by Justine Daly, midwife and hypnotherapist who discusses her journey to becoming a hypnotherapist, the many benefits of restorative rest for our health, the role of hypnotherapy in our healthcare system. This is a great chat that takes lots of twists and turns into the world of hypnotherapy. A worthy listen!You can find Justine on Instagram @youhypnotherapy
 

In this episode, I’m joined by the well renowned Dr Jason Lam (MD) who shares with us his knowledge on Hypermobility, the EDS/POTS/MCAS Trifecta as well as his thoughts on the current state of EDS diagnosis and our healthcare system. This episode is spicy with some hot takes and some juicy discussion points.Instagram: @_thedancedr