Stabilizing the Hypermobile Body through Circus Arts

Updated: Sep 13, 2021

with Emily Scherb, PT, DPT (The "Circus Doc")

Nowhere is flexibility and hypermobility more valued and explored than in the circus arts! But while circus artists are highly skilled and extremely strong, working in extreme end ranges of motion comes with its own set of issues and potential injuries.

In this podcast, we chat with Dr. Emily Scherb, a DPT who specializes in circus and performing arts. Emily examines what’s similar (and different) between circus and performing arts, looks at what is “normal” for the circus population, and outlines when to push into your end range and when not to.

We explore the differences in rehabilitating the hypermobile versus the non-hypermobile population, who Emily would like to see on an artist’s dream support team, and why she literally wrote the book on anatomy for aerial artists. Emily explains why she prioritizes education for instructors and performers alike, and how she wants to change the language of technique and instill self-knowledge for the next generation.

Emily believes circus training can be beneficial for all populations, and encourages adults to start recreational classes! As she says, “It’s never too late to come play with the circus!”

Listen here.

Episode transcript:

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Bendy Bodies Podcast is available on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify. Feedback is greatly appreciated and can be directed to BendyBodiesPodcast@gmail.com.

Access all episodes at BendyBodies.org.

Learn more about Emily: https://www.thecircusdoc.com/

Instagram: @thecircusdoc

Check out these educational programs:

Intro to circus healthcare (with this discount code it is just $5)

https://circusanatomy.com/p/learning-the-ropes/?product_id=1946251&coupon_code=CIRCUSBODIES

Hanging Analysis of the Shoulder course

https://circusanatomy.com/p/hanging-analysis-of-the-shoulder

Learn more about Dr. Linda Bluestein, the hypermobility MD at our website and be sure to follow us on social media:

Website: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com

Instagram: @hypermobilitymd

Twitter: @hypermobilityMD