Episode 50: Rethinking Rehab for POTS, EDS & Hypermobility with Jill Stephenson PT, DPT

I sit down with Dr. Jill Stephenson, an orthopedic and pelvic floor physical therapist, hypermobility/POTS specialist, and the newest member of our ResilientRx team.We dive into the overlap of hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos, POTS, neurodivergence and sensory processing issues and how these often misdiagnosed or misunderstood patterns can drastically change how someone experiences pain, movement, fatigue, and even relationships.You’ll hear both our clinical and personal perspectives navigating these diagnoses, how they shaped our work, and what the traditional rehab model often misses with this population.We cover:Why POTS and hypermobility show up together more often than you'd think and how impaired connective tissue affects blood flow, energy, and exercise toleranceHow neurodivergence (especially ADHD and autism traits) changes the way people feel their bodies, process pain, and respond to cuesWhat "fatigue" actually means in this population and why pushing through can backfireWhy some patients need sensory-safe environments just as much as they need strength programsHow to spot when someone is overwhelmed and what about our language might be triggering without even realizing itWhether you're a patient who's felt dismissed or a provider wanting to better your these clients, this one’s for you.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:40 Personal Experiences with POTS and Hyper-mobility03:50 Understanding POTS and Its Clinical Presentation06:07 Challenges and Misdiagnoses in Chronic Illness08:23 Intersections of Neurodivergence and Hyper-mobility14:21 Navigating Healthcare and Building Support Systems29:41 The Importance of Self-Care and Sustainable Growth38:02 Understanding Neurodivergence and Hyper Mobility39:16 The Impact of ADHD on Daily Life39:48 Challenges and Misconceptions in Diagnosing Neurodivergence41:53 The Importance of Community and Support42:09 Navigating Hormonal Changes and Neurodivergence45:09 The Role of Physical Therapy in Managing Symptoms49:08 Balancing Rest and Activity01:04:54 Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment01:09:10 Final Thoughts and ResourcesDr Jill works at my practice in Austin, TX. You can find more about her there or on IG:resilient-rx.cominstagram.com/learnwithdrjillWant support for perimenopause that goes beyond hormones?Whether you (or your clients) are taking HRT but still having symptoms, not ready for it, or can’t tolerate it...there’s more we can do.I’ll be sharing practical tools from a movement and rehab perspective, focusing on the nervous system, fascia, lymph, viscera, and musculoskeletal system.If you want updates on workshops, resources, and strategies to support this phase of life more fully, would love you to join my email list.Subscribe to my email list hereI’ll see you in 2 weeks!PS:If you are interested in being a guest on the show, please fill out the form here.