Tight Muscles, Loose Joints, Pelvic Pain: The Hypermobility Paradox with Dr. Brooke Winder (Ep 192)

About this episode

Dr. Linda Bluestein and Dr. Brooke Winder discuss the hypermobility paradox and its impact on pelvic health and performance.

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 dancers and aerialists experience similar symptoms. The discussion unpacks the "hypermobility paradox", where muscles become chronically overactive to compensate for lax ligaments, and how this tension can lead to pelvic pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. From the impact of under-fueling (REDs) to the surprising connection between jaw tension and the pelvic floor, this episode provides a roadmap for athletes and non-athletes alike to "zoom out" and find holistic strategies for recovery and resilience. Takeaways: The Hypermobility Paradox: People with lax connective tissue often have hyperactive pelvic floor muscles that work overtime to provide the stability their ligaments cannot. Prevalence in Performance: Around 34% of professional dancers and 40% of aerialists report urinary leakage…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Linda Bluestein

Guest: Dr. Brooke Winder

Topics covered

• pelvic health
• joint hypermobility
• athlete performance
• incontinence
• muscle tension
• holistic recovery

Keywords

• hypermobility paradox
• pelvic pain
• urinary leakage
• muscle overactivity
• athlete health
• TMJ
• REDs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: REDs

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