Connective tissue or fascia plays a major role in the differences between bendy people and their non-bendy counterparts. But what even is fascia and why does it affect so many systems of the body? In this episode, Libby & Dr. Tina Wang discuss her fascinating research into the qualities of fascial tissue in people with hypermobility syndromes. She provides insights into why bendy people’s fascial tissue is different from “standard issue” fascia, how this impacts force transfer and structural support, and finally, why bendy people benefit so much from manual therapy techniques.

• The important structural and sensory roles fascia plays in the body
• Why the term 'fascia' is difficult to define
• Why bendy people display decreased force output and how that relates to fascia differences
• Why bendy people’s fascial layers don’t glide as well as standard issue fascia
• The “diagnostic odyssey” that so many bendy people experience
• Systemic barriers to high quality medical care for people with HSD/hEDS
• How movement practices to help our fascia make positive adaptations and function better
• Why manual therapy techniques such as dry needling and myofascial release are often so effective for people with HSD/hEDS.
• Reasons to be hopeful about all the patient experts and practitioners working to improve quality of care.