Two Perspectives: Living Well with EDS
From Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD & Jeannie Di Bon, Movement Therapist
We’re excited to bring you this special collaborative newsletter!
Though we come from different backgrounds—medicine and movement therapy—we share a passion for supporting the EDS and HSD community through evidence-based frameworks that treat the whole person.
Since meeting at an Ehlers-Danlos Society conference in 2018, we’ve collaborated on several initiatives to improve care for people with hypermobility.
Today, we’re sharing insights from our complementary approaches: MENS PMMS and the Integral Movement Method (IMM).
Meet Your Contributors
Linda Bluestein, MD
For years, I struggled with joint instability, chronic pain, dysautonomia, migraines, severe allergies, asthma, and eczema. Yet no one ever connected the dots. It was a lonely and frustrating journey, but it ultimately led me to a deeper understanding of my own body and inspired me to help others.
That’s why I founded Hypermobility MD—to provide compassionate care for people living with pain caused by hypermobility and connective tissue disorders. In 2020, I extended this mission by launching the Bendy Bodies podcast.
Jeannie Di Bon
I’m a movement therapist and educator who lives with hEDS, POTS, and MCAS. My personal journey navigating chronic pain, fatigue, and nervous system dysregulation led to the development of the Integral Movement Method (IMM)—a compassionate and accessible approach to movement for people with hypermobility.
My online platform, The Zebra Club, brings the IMM to life with over 200 on-demand classes, meditations, and educational resources. It’s a space where people with EDS and HSD can move at their own pace, build confidence, and feel seen in a community that understands their lived experience.
What Connects Our Work
Although we come from different professional backgrounds, we share a unified mission: to empower people with hypermobility through education, movement, and integrative care.
Both of our frameworks share key principles that are essential for thriving with hypermobility:
· Holistic, systems-based thinking that connects physical, emotional, and nervous system health
· Evidence-based strategies backed by published research
· Movement as medicine when approached safely and appropriately
· Patient empowerment through education and practical tools
· Recognition of individual differences in EDS/HSD presentation and needs
Dr. Bluestein’s MENS PMMS
MENS PMMS stands for:
Movement
Education
Nutrition
Sleep
Psychosocial
Modalities
Medications
Supplements
This multimodal approach helps individuals with symptomatic joint hypermobility (SJH) improve function and quality of life by addressing all aspects of well-being.
Key Areas of Focus
Movement
Movement is essential for optimal function of the body and can lessen pain and fatigue. Recommended activities include:
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, tai chi, qigong
Pilates, Gyrotonic, yoga (with proper guidance)
Education
Understanding your condition(s) helps reduce fear and improve outcomes. Topics to learn about include:
Pain neuroscience including kinesiophobia (fear of movement), pain catastrophization
Environmental modifications
The power of expectations: Placebo (positive) vs. nocebo (negative)
Nutrition
Tailored nutrition supports tissue health and symptom management. Consider:
Professional support from a dietitian familiar with hypermobility
Mindful identification of food triggers (especially for MCAS)
Sleep
Restorative sleep is vital. Focus on:
Routine, sleep hygiene, comfort
Addressing comorbid sleep conditions
Screening for sleep apnea since those with EDS/HSD are at increased risk
Medical options when necessary
Psychosocial
Emotional well-being influences pain and resilience. Support may include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, and support groups
Addressing anxiety, depression, and trauma
Modalities
Helpful tools include:
TENS, massage, acupuncture
Bracing, taping, light therapy, VR (virtual reality)
Medications & Supplements
Targeted therapies such as:
Over the counter and prescription pain medications
Mast cell stabilizers (e.g. Ketotifen, Cromolyn)
Nutritional supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Omega-3 fatty acids
MENS PMMS is detailed in the paper “Hope for Hypermobility – an Integrative Approach to Treatment.”
Jeannie's Integral Movement Method (IMM)
The IMM is a "no pain, no strain" approach to movement that helps release tension patterns while building body awareness and functional strength. It follows five essential phases:
Unwind: Release tension and bracing patterns through breath and relaxation
Explore: Discover movement possibilities that work for your unique body
Assess: Pause to notice patterns and sensations
Refine: Apply new awareness to movement with gentleness
Reflect: Notice how your body responds to new information
These phases support six key principles of movement progression essential for hypermobile bodies:
Breath: Notice patterns without judgment
Relaxation: Release long-held tensions before attempting to build strength
Proprioception: Build body awareness through slow, controlled movements
Stability: Develop joint stability through sensation and gravity
Balance: Support both physical and nervous system equilibrium
Posture: Develop embodied alignment that emerges naturally from a well-organized system
The Zebra Club brings the IMM to life through its three pillars: Movement, Education, and Community – all three of which complement MENS PMMS. Jeannie’s approach has also been studied and the qualitative analysis was recently published.
How These Approaches Complement Each Other
The Movement component of MENS PMMS aligns perfectly with the IMM's practical strategies for safe, sustainable movement. Similarly, both approaches emphasize:
Understanding pain science and nervous system regulation
Building body awareness and proprioception
The benefits of a mindfulness practice
Creating supportive communities and resources
Empowering patients to take an active role in their care
The research behind both frameworks confirms what many in the hypermobility community have long needed: comprehensive care that addresses both physical symptoms and overall wellbeing.
Moving Forward: Resources for Your Journey
Living with EDS or HSD is complex, but with the right support, education, and community, your journey can become more manageable and hopeful.
Learn more about Dr. Bluestein’s Work:
· Sign up for Dr. Bluestein’s Newsletter The Bendy Bulletin
Explore Jeannie's resources:
Sign Up for Jeannie’s Newsletter The Mindful Movement Monthly
We invite you to share this newsletter with others who might benefit from these approaches. Together, we can continue building a more informed, empowered hypermobility community.
Wishing you well,
Jeannie & Linda
Jeannie...I looked at your Zebra Club and ran through the steps on your website. Kneeling potions are out for me with both knees and a hip replacement. Must be for other Zebras, too!
These are both such informative frameworks! Thank you both for the work you do in this space. I continue to learn a lot and appreciate all that you share very much.