Podcast
InVisible
Hosted by Dr. Ashton Wilson (Osteopath/Business Owner/Advocate) · EN
Making invisible illness, visible through story telling, education, and understanding. Dr Ashton Wilson, business owner of Alpha Sports Medicine, experienced Osteopath and hypermobility advocate uses her voice to shine the light on the conditions and illnesses that are commonly misunderstood. This podcast is platform to provide better understanding in the healthcare industry by hearing from experts and people with lived experience.
14episodes
Episodes
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26. Strength Training & The Hypermobile Body - with Dr Melissa Koehl (Physical Therapist)
1w ago00:54:40Tap to summarizeStrength Training for Hypermobility: Building Stability Without Burnout | Dr. Melissa Koehl Episode Summary Can strength training actually help a hypermobile body feel stronger, more stable, and less painful? In this episode of The Invisible Podcast, Dr. Ashton Wilson is joined by Dr. Melissa Koehl, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Pilates instructor, and hypermobility specialist, to explore one of the most important topics in hypermobility management—strength training. Together, they discuss why building strength is essential for people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and symptomatic joint hypermobility, while also explaining why traditional fitness advice often doesn't work for this population. Dr. Melissa shares practical strategies for exercising safely, managing recovery, avoiding post-exertional crashes, and learning how to work with your body rather than against it. The conversation also covers the latest insights from the EDS Global Learning Conference, including exciting developments in understanding orthostatic intolerance and POTS. Whether you're newly diagnosed, living with chronic pain, or simply trying to find an exercise approach that actually works, this episode offers practical guidance grounded in both clinical expertise and lived experience. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why strength training is one of the most effective tools for managing hypermobility symptoms How muscle strength improves joint stability and protects hypermobile joints Why recovery matters more than the workout itself The biggest mistakes people make when starting strength training How to find your own exercise capacity without triggering symptom flares Why "more exercise" isn't always better for hypermobile bodies The importance of pacing and progressive overload How dysautonomia, POTS, and orthostatic intolerance impact exercise tolerance Why rest between sets is essential—not lazy Safe ways to include stretching without overstretching joints Simple programming strategies for beginners and intermediate exercisers How compression garments can improve symptoms for people with orthostatic intolerance Practical recovery strategies to reduce post-exercise fatigue Key Takeaways Meet your body where it is today Your body's capacity changes from day to day. Instead of judging your workout by how you feel during exercise, evaluate how you feel over the following 24–48 hours. Start with less than you think One of the biggest mistakes people make is doing too much, too soon. Beginning with around 50% of what you think you're capable of allows your body to adapt safely and reduces the risk of setbacks. Recovery is part of training Strength gains happen during recovery—not during the workout itself. Proper rest, nervous system regulation, hydration, pacing, and allowing your heart rate to recover between sets are all essential components of successful training. Highlights From This Episode Dr. Melissa's experience attending the EDS Global Learning Conference New research surrounding orthostatic intolerance and POTS Why many patients don't need a tilt table test to begin receiving treatment The emotional importance of clinicians believing patients' symptoms Melissa's personal journey from competitive gymnast to hypermobility specialist Why Pilates, strength training, and yoga each play different but complementary roles Understanding post-exertional malaise and exercise recovery Why consistency matters more than intensity How strength training differs for hypermobile individuals compared to the general population Questions Answered Does stretching make hypermobility worse? Not necessarily. Stretching can still be beneficial when performed safely. Dynamic stretching, using props, and avoiding prolonged end-range positions can help protect joints while improving muscle flexibility. Why do my knees hurt during strength training? Knee pain isn't always caused by the knees themselves. Weakness or instability in the hips, feet, or surrounding muscles may increase the workload on the knees. Improving movement quality, alignment, and overall strength can often help. What's the best exercise for someone with hypermobility? The best exercise is the one you can perform consistently. However, strength training offers one of the greatest long-term benefits for improving joint stability and managing symptoms. Memorable Quotes "Your body doesn't always tell you its true capacity during the workout—it tells you over the next 48 hours." "You can always do more later. You can't undo doing too much." "Strength training is the main course. Pilates and yoga are the side dishes." "Consistency doesn't have to be perfect to be effective." "Meet your body where it is—not where you wish it was." Resources Mentioned Strength training for hypermobility Pilates for joint stability Orthostatic intolerance POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) Compression garments for dysautonomia Progressive overload Post-exertional malaise Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) Connect with Dr. Melissa Koehl Follow Dr. Melissa for evidence-based education and practical resources on hypermobility, strength training, and movement. Instagram: @dr.melissakoehl.pt YouTube: Dr. Melissa Koehl, PT Enjoyed this Episode? If you found this conversation helpful, be sure to subscribe to The Invisible Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating hypermobility, chronic pain, POTS, or connective tissue disorders. Every share helps more people access evidence-based information and reminds those living with invisible illnesses that they're not alone.
Transcribe →25. Paediatric Hypermobility - with Paediatric Physiotherapist, Katie Cleary
3w ago00:49:12Tap to summarizeEpisode Summary In this episode of The Invisible Podcast, host Dr. Ashton Wilson sits down with Katie Cleary, pediatric physiotherapist and Director of Ocean Kids Health. Drawing from both her personal experience with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and over 15 years of clinical expertise, Katie shares key insights into recognizing, validating, and treating pediatric hypermobility. Together, they explore the new 2023 international pediatric diagnostic criteria, the crucial link between hypermobility and neurodivergence, practical tips for busy families, and why movement should always be play-based, empowering, and fun. Key Takeaways Listen to and Validate Children Early: When a child reports pain, fatigue, or difficulty keeping up, take them seriously. Early intervention prevents acute issues from becoming chronic challenges. The 2023 Pediatric Diagnostic Criteria: Designed specifically for ages 5–18, this framework replaces adult-centric tools to properly classify pediatric hypermobility subtypes (symptomatic and asymptomatic). Hypermobility & Neurodivergence: Conditions like Autism, ADHD, and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) frequently co-occur with hypermobility due to underlying sensory processing differences and joint proprioception needs. Make Movement Fun: Effective pediatric therapy relies on residual heat, bodyweight play, pool work, and games—not rigid or boring home exercise routines. Pacing over Consistency: Shift the mindset from rigid daily routines to "continuing" at a natural pace to avoid burnout for both kids and parents. Timestamped Chapter Outline Timestamp Chapter Title 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 01:25 The Origins of Ocean Kids Health 02:50 Katie’s Personal Journey with Hypermobility 07:40 How Hypermobility Presents in Early Childhood 10:45 Understanding the 2023 Pediatric Diagnostic Criteria 12:00 Play-Based Treatment Strategies & Movement Therapy 16:38 Overcoming Challenges: System Barriers & Time Poverty 20:19 The Link Between Neurodivergence and Hypermobility 25:11 The Future of Therapeutic Guidelines 30:42 Audience Q&A: Early Signs, Intervention & Running 36:12 Hypotonia (Low Tone) vs. Hypermobility 41:36 Katie’s Top Takeaways for Parents and Clinicians 44:13 Rapid-Fire Questions & Final Thoughts Key Quotes "I just love helping families get that diagnosis and recognition, because the sooner we know what's going on, the more support we can give kiddos to have a much better quality of life." — Katie Cleary "Movement is medicine for all of our little people. It doesn't matter how you move or what movement you do, but finding joy in it is what keeps kids going." — Katie Cleary Mentioned Resources & Links Ocean Kids Health Website: oceankidshealth.com.au Connect with Katie Cleary: LinkedIn International Pediatric Diagnostic Criteria (2023): Developed via The Ehlers-Danlos Society Pediatric Working Group.
Transcribe →24. Dry Eyes, headache and hypermobility - with Optometrist, Victor El Khoury
Jul 900:38:25Tap to summarizeEver feel like your eyes are exhausted by 3 PM, or suffer from mysterious end-of-day headaches? In this episode, Dr. Ashton Wilson sits down with Newport optometrist and university lecturer Victor El-Khoury to unpack the surprising connection between eye health, chronic inflammation, and connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). We dive deep into why "dry eye" is actually a systemic inflammatory issue, why eye drops are often just a band-aid solution, and how hidden eye muscle fatigue can directly trigger neck pain, TMJ issues, and migraines. What we discuss in this episode: The Reality of Dry Eyes: Why 80% of cases are actually Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and why "watery eyes" are a classic sign of inflammation. The "Eye Gym" Analogy: How computer screens put our eyes through a grueling 12-hour workout, and how specialized lenses can stop a visual system crash. The Hypermobility & Collagen Connection: How hypermobility impacts the eye's delicate tracking muscles, leading to Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD). Audience Q&A: Vic breaks down the physiology of the 20-20-20 rule, how to manage eye flares if you have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and the true "Toyota of eye drops." Connect with our Guest: Visit Victor El-Khoury at iLab Newport.
Transcribe →23. Managing MCAS and the hEDS “Road to 2026”: with Naturopath, Kris Jasper
Jun 2600:48:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr Ashton Wilson (Osteopath) chats with Naturopath Kris Jasper about the management of Mast cell activation syndrome. We also take a deep dive into the road to 2026 and what’s to come with the updated diagnostic criteria for hEDS and HSD. It's jam packed with goodness!
Transcribe →22. Stress, Injuries and Running with Sports Chiro Luke Nelson
Sep 900:40:38Tap to summarizeIn this supercharged episode, Sports Chiro Luke Nelson joins me on the podcast to discuss the different kinds of stress that can impact injury recovery. This conversation takes lots of twists and turns into the demands of running, long term injury and mental health. Luke is a brilliant guest and speaks with such passion about his work. Find Luke on Instagram @sportschiroluke
Transcribe →21. The impact of the menstrual cycle in female athletes and other hormonal changes with pHd candidate, Hannah Moore
Sep 300:43:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Hannah shares some of her research findings about the impact of the menstrual cycle on female athletes. Hannah’s research is embedded in the Western Bulldogs AFLW program, and she shares some insights into the different effects hormones have on our female athletic performance. This is a great chat on a topic that desperately needs more of this kind of research, a worthy listen!
Transcribe →20. The many benefits of Restorative Rest with Hypnotherapist Justine Daly
Aug 2700:43:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode I’m joined by Justine Daly, midwife and hypnotherapist who discusses her journey to becoming a hypnotherapist, the many benefits of restorative rest for our health, the role of hypnotherapy in our healthcare system. This is a great chat that takes lots of twists and turns into the world of hypnotherapy. A worthy listen! You can find Justine on Instagram @youhypnotherapy
Transcribe →19. The Dance Doctor, Dr Jason Lam (MD) explains the EDS/POTS/MCAS Trifecta
Aug 2000:41:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m joined by the well renowned Dr Jason Lam (MD) who shares with us his knowledge on Hypermobility, the EDS/POTS/MCAS Trifecta as well as his thoughts on the current state of EDS diagnosis and our healthcare system. This episode is spicy with some hot takes and some juicy discussion points. Instagram: @_thedancedr
Transcribe →18. Training with Diabetes with PT Josh Cauchi
Aug 1400:21:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with my friend Josh Cauchi, personal trainer from Bacchus Marsh who lives with Diabetes. In this episode we discuss training options for people with Diabetes, the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and Josh shares his own experience with receiving diagnosis.
Transcribe →17. Celebrating 1000 Downloads, the Lessons I've Learned from Podcasting, and What's Happening in My World
Aug 6, 202500:17:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I jump on the mic myself to say a huge thank you to everyone who has downloaded or listened to an episode of the Invisible podcast. I share my 3 biggest takeaways from podcasting as well as updates in my world including being back seeing clients in the clinic, teaching my course online and my upcoming Canada trip!
Transcribe →