Rehab doesn't have to hurt: The Exergaming approach

In this episode, we dive into an innovative approach to physical therapy that uses exergaming, interactive technology, and evidence-based exercise programming to make rehabilitation more engaging, more effective, and, most importantly, more tolerable for people living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), hypermobility disorders, chronic pain, and joint instability. Patients with EDS often face unique challenges during rehabilitation. Because of ligament laxity and unstable joints, traditional strengthening exercises can lead to discomfort, fatigue, or even joint subluxations when movements are performed through long lever arms or excessive ranges of motion. One of the key concepts explored is external focus training. Instead of constantly thinking about muscle activation or body position, patients are encouraged to focus on completing a task. Whether reacting to illuminated targets using BlazePod lights, performing balance challenges, or participating in interactive movement games, the brain naturally organizes movement more efficiently. The conversation also explores how therapists can manipulate the environment to create safe yet challenging exercises. By positioning patients close to a wall, adjusting their stance, or introducing carefully selected unstable surfaces, clinicians can improve joint stability and core activation without exposing vulnerable joints to excessive stress. 👉🏻 Rehab doesn't have to hurt: The Exergaming approach – Listen to Dr. Jan Dommerholt break down the reality of treating patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hypermobility disorders. Learn how to move away from dismissing widespread pain or focusing on just one isolated joint, and start building a strong therapeutic alliance, recognizing the systemic nature of the condition, and using a truly patient-centered approach to unlock better outcomes in the clinic. 🔹In this video, you'll learn: ✅Why traditional rehabilitation can be difficult for EDS patients ✅How exergaming improves motivation and exercise adherence ✅The benefits of external focus during rehabilitation ✅Safe exercise progression for hypermobile individuals ✅How BlazePod reaction lights support rehabilitation ✅Using balance training to improve core and joint stability ✅The role of Proteus Motion in low-load strength training ✅Modern perspectives on movement quality and lifting mechanics ✅Strategies for reducing fear of movement while increasing function ✅Evidence-informed approaches to rehabilitation for chronic pain and joint instability Whether you're treating patients, studying physical therapy, coaching athletes, or personally managing hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, this episode offers practical insights into how rehabilitation is evolving. 👍If you enjoyed this discussion, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more expert conversations covering physical therapy, rehabilitation science, sports medicine, chronic pain management, movement optimization, and evidence-based clinical practice. 🎥Link to interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oXUKbkYEqpE 🎙Listen on all platforms: https://bit.ly/45rzffO 🍁 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝐏𝐓 𝐏𝐫𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 🍁 In this channel, you will find Physical Therapy-related content, like interviews with experts who share their views and experiences, providing relevant information to help Physical Therapists improve their practice and patient care! 📩 Don't miss out on podcast updates!📬: https://www.ptprotalk.com/ 🌐𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐞 𝐎𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 https://www.instagram.com/ptprotalk/ https://www.facebook.com/ptprotalkpodcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/pt-pro-talk/ https://twitter.com/MariHannaParks 🎧Spotify: ptprotalk ✅𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇 📧 📩Email: mariana@ptprotalk.com 🕵️‍♂️Thank you for visiting our channel and watching all our videos. Support 💁‍♂️ PT Pro Talk Podcast is only possible with the support of forward-looking and innovative companies like: Hanna Health: https://hannahealthhub.com/hep, and SaRaHealth: https://bit.ly/saraytb #PhysicalTherapy #Rehabilitation #Exergaming #EhlersDanlos #EDS #Hypermobility #Physiotherapy #ExerciseTherapy #SportsMedicine #JointInstability #ChronicPain #BlazePod #ProteusMotion #BalanceTraining #CoreStability #MovementScience