Taming the Zebra: Tethered Cord and Cranio-Cervical Instability in Hypermobility with Heather Purdin

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes physical therapist and manual therapist Heather Purdin, co-author of “Taming the Zebra,” to discuss her book and her biopsychosocial approach to treating hypermobility syndromes. The conversation continues by highlighting tethered cord syndrome, its key features, imaging considerations, conservative/manual approaches, and surgical cautions. They also discuss cranio-cervical instability versus a hypermobile neck, the role of inflammation/MCAS, stabilization strategies, and referrals, and share where to find Purdin’s resources and courses.   00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks 00:35 Meet Heather Purdin 02:31 Becoming a Zebra Tamer 04:15 Why Write Taming the Zebra 06:52 What Volume Two Covers 09:56 Systemic Context for PT 11:36 Reader Feedback and Hope 12:29 Tethered Cord Explained 15:30 Symptoms and Screening Clues 17:28 Bladder Testing and Differentials 19:06 MCAS and Fascia Research 21:43 When to Refer and Imaging 23:46 Prone MRI Insights 24:36 Gentle Tethered Cord Relief 25:29 Alignment Triggers and Safety 27:52 CCI Versus Hypermobility 28:56 Symptoms and Muscle Retraining 32:05 Inflammation, MCAS, and Imaging 34:45 Stabilization Training Example 38:48 Posture Pelvis Ribcage Link 40:22 Neck Exercise Progressions 42:41 Mindset and Finding Providers 44:31 Resources and Wrap Up   EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES: Taming the Zebra Good Health Physical Therapy and Wellness Follow Heather Purdin on Instagram @heather_purdinpt Follow Taming the Zebra on Instagram @tamingthezebra Follow Good Health Physical Therapy and Wellness on Instagram @goodhealthptpdx Follow Good Health Physical Therapy and Wellness on Facebook LINKS AND RESOURCES: Learn more about Dr. Libby Hinsley, How to Work with Her, or Join her Email List Follow Libby Hinsley on Instagram @libbyhinsleypt Follow Libby Hinsley on Facebook Leave a review on iTunes