Managing Long COVID and Dysautonomia in the Hypermobile Community with Naomi Bauer

This episode of Zebra Talks features a discussion with Naomi Bauer, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with personal and professional experience in treating dysautonomia and Long COVID. Hosted by Dr. Libby Hinsley, they explore the challenges and management strategies for those living with hypermobility syndromes, focusing on the overlap between long COVID, dysautonomia, and hypermobility. Naomi shares her journey from a healthcare professional to a patient after developing long COVID dysautonomia herself and highlights the importance of understanding personal energy management through pacing and the 50 percent rule. The conversation also addresses potential underlying connections between hypermobility and the increased risk of developing long COVID, emphasizing the significance of social support, proactive resting, and setting boundaries for energy use.  Highlights of this episode include: 00:32 Meet Naomi Bauer: A Journey from PT to Long COVID Survivor 01:42 Exploring the Intersection of Long COVID and Hypermobility Syndromes 01:56 Naomi's Personal Battle with Long COVID and Suspected Hypermobility 05:55 The Complex World of Dysautonomia: From POTS to Long COVID 14:28 The Link Between Hypermobility Syndromes and Long COVID 23:47 Managing Long COVID and Hypermobility: Strategies for Recovery 41:24 Concluding Thoughts and Finding Support