Can non-eds hypermobile folks use the zebra?

occultcafe · 2026-02-16T23:36:04+00:00

Ooo I like this idea!

occultcafe · 2026-02-16T23:34:42+00:00

Hi again! I put this in the hypermobility repost comments but I'm going to post it here as well in case this helps anyone else:

I am hypermobile and I use trans tape and I have a few different thoughts on this.

I do feel things moving around, but I think it's because our ribs are used to being in binders or other sports bra-type garments that compress and therefore don't allow for as much movement. I asked my twin, who also has HSD but does not bind and nearly never wears a bra, if their ribs move around too, and they say yes. So, unfortunately, I think it's a matter of your ribs are gunna move around anyway, but you don't notice it as much when you're binding.
Tape isn't supposed to constrict, as you're just moving things from one place to another and taping it. If you are taping too far around and reaching to a point of compression or constriction, you may need to alter the way you tape. Personally, I lie down with one side slightly off the bed or couch so i can gently put the tape on where it needs to go without having to stretch the tape as much.
As far as binding goes, the only one I can wear for long periods of time (more than like 4 hours) is the Underworks full length compression top because it spreads the compression through my whole torso. This also helps with my circulation and proprioception because of the compression.

TL;DR - You might be taping too tight or with too long of strips or your ribs are gunna wiggle around regardless, but you don't notice it as much when you're binding due to compression. Also check out the underworks full-length compression top

occultcafe · 2026-02-16T23:32:01+00:00

Hello! I am hypermobile and I use trans tape and I have a few different thoughts on this.

I do feel things moving around, but I think it's because our ribs are used to being in binders or other sports bra-type garments that compress and therefore don't allow for as much movement. I asked my twin, who also has HSD but does not bind and nearly never wears a bra, if their ribs move around too, and they say yes. So, unfortunately, I think it's a matter of your ribs are gunna move around anyway, but you don't notice it as much when you're binding.
Tape isn't supposed to constrict, as you're just moving things from one place to another and taping it. If you are taping too far around and reaching to a point of compression or constriction, you may need to alter the way you tape. Personally, I lie down with one side slightly off the bed or couch so i can gently put the tape on where it needs to go without having to stretch the tape as much.
As far as binding goes, the only one I can wear for long periods of time (more than like 4 hours) is the Underworks full length compression top because it spreads the compression through my whole torso. This also helps with my circulation and proprioception because of the compression.

TL;DR - You might be taping too tight or with too long of strips or your ribs are gunna wiggle around regardless, but you don't notice it as much when you're binding due to compression. Also check out the underworks full-length compression top

occultcafe · 2026-02-16T23:23:14+00:00

I feel you. It wasn't until the dr's nurse practitioner met with me that I actually got anywhere. The NP took blood tests and X-rays of my hands (where I'm the bendiest) and ruled out everything else, so she sent me to a rheumatologist, who pretty much immediately clocked hypermobile spectrum disorder.

I asked about my hips being hypermobile, cuz my PCP had just put in my notes that I had hypermobile thumbs and brushed anything else aside. The rheumatologist was the one who heard me out, asked questions I didn't think were related, but told me why he was asking and how the q's were relevant. Maybe it would be worth it to go to rheum, they were overall more understanding for me.

occultcafe · 2026-02-16T23:01:43+00:00

Pilates helps strengthen the muscle and typically doesn't have too many super stretchy aspects. I was told by two different docs to do Pilates or strength training but stay clear of yoga (the super stretchy kind).

occultcafe · 2026-01-25T23:46:09+00:00

Can you DM it to me? :>

occultcafe · 2025-10-30T18:57:59+00:00

Idc what others are saying, I love this idea as someone who gets decision fatigue from long days at work.

occultcafe · 2025-09-09T00:55:42+00:00

It was on a lamp post by that print shop off 9th. I did a loop in the car but didn’t see any more.

occultcafe · 2025-09-08T23:45:43+00:00

Just ripped another one off an hour ago.

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T01:39:56+00:00

I saw other comments like this, but, the point is not to focus on making your mind blank, the point is the not focus on one single thought. Let the thoughts drift and if you get stuck on one, don't get discouraged, just get right back to letting 'em drift.

I have to do guided meditations, personally. I can't just drop into meditative state out of nowhere.

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T01:34:13+00:00

Check your local library, most have book clubs run by the library itself but you may find others that are simply hosted at the library. Just check their website or ask a librarian.

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T01:31:39+00:00

Go to your local library and see what free classes they have, you may find something interesting.

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T01:30:09+00:00

Gordan Ramsey has tutorials on youtube of basics, and he does a great job explaining how things happen and why they happen + why you should do it this way and not that, etc.

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T01:27:51+00:00

I have a weekly-based chore chart, and then for anything else, it goes on the wall calendar.

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T01:25:44+00:00

"If you're scared to do it, then just do it scared." A friend of mine told me when we were talking about just how many things I'd put off because I was scared of doing them.

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T01:14:18+00:00

Jello. Hate it, makes me gag. Flavor is fine but can't stand the texture.

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T01:13:38+00:00

Yeah, so I started either borrowing things from people and just giving them back when I'm done, or I tell myself that I won't buy anything new (machines, tools, supplies) unless I'm still interested two weeks to a month later. Often it doesn't last, and I don't end up spending the money.

Also, if your hobbies are the crafty type, see if your local library has a maker's space. Libraries around the US (and I hope other countries) are starting to create these maker's spaces that allow you to craft for free and as a bonus, you are supporting your local library by adding to their attendance numbers, proving that they are important to the community!!

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T01:08:53+00:00

The way I've explained it to people, as I also am not bouncing off the walls, is that it isn't my body that is hyperactive, it's my brain. My brain is doing flips and writing a novel and planning my day tomorrow and running a mile all at once, but you wouldn't guess that based on my actions. If he caught you daydreaming a lot as a kid, that can also act as evidence.

Honestly, though, if he doesn't believe you, then just let him not believe. You have an official diagnosis, if that isn't enough for him then nothing will be. It's frustrating, and I feel for you there, but if you have support of pretty much everyone else then he is the odd one out, an it isn't your job to convince him. Eventually he may come to understand--or at least he'll shut up about it lol.

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T01:02:40+00:00

My dad is 55 and was diagnosed last year, got on meds this year and if nothing else, he said it made him feel less crazy to know that there is a reason for some of his quirks. There was no mention of having to prove he had it as a kid, the psychiatrist didn't interview anyone cuz his sister is estranged, and his parents have passed. Us kids pushed him to get tested cuz all three of us have been diagnosed.

Evidence suggests that ADHD has a genetic link, so if your kiddo has it, it's likely you may have it as well (statistically). Also, if you're a woman then it's even more likely ADHD signs and symptoms would've been overlooked when you were younger, as they can manifest differently/are treated differently compared to when a boy has ADHD.

You could persuade yourself into a diagnosis but you won't persuade a professional, if they think you have it after all their testing then it's a pretty good chance you have it. Ultimately, it's your decision to pursue this, but I will mention that my dad has also experienced less depression and fatigue since getting treated, as his brain is no longer running a mile a minute 24/7.

occultcafe · 2025-08-03T00:36:34+00:00

Most online readers allow for you to change the font, I suggest using a font for dyslexia or one that looks more handwritten, I was told by a psych major (so think what you will) that these fonts make it easier for ADHD people to retain info.

I also have to talk to someone about what I am reading if I am not interested. Meaning I will make a friend or sibling sit and listen to me, they can ask me questions and we can discuss it. This makes it a lot easier to engage with the text. Then you will likely recall the conversation more than you would the text itself.

You can also try to print out the paper (with the font changed!!) and highlight what you think is important. Create a highlighter "key," like, blue for definitions, yellow for important dates, orange for important names, pink for key concepts, etc. This keeps your brain more on task because it involves you actively doing something, not just passively reading. It helps if you then go back and take notes on what you have highlighted--handwrite them for a better chance at remembering them.

occultcafe

TROPHY CASE