In this episode of The Invisible Podcast, Dr. Ashton Wilson chats with chiropractor Dr. Kai Taylor from Perth, Western Australia, about hypermobility, invisible illness, women’s health, and the often-overlooked connections between conditions such as hypermobility, endometriosis, POTS, MCAS, and ADHD. Dr. Kai shares her own journey from experiencing unexplained symptoms as a child to being diagnosed with endometriosis and ADHD, and eventually discovering the broader connections between her symptoms and hypermobility. She also explains how her personal experiences shaped her work with hypermobile patients. In this episode, they discuss: Dr. Kai’s personal journey with hypermobility and how her childhood symptoms eventually connected with later diagnoses. The relationship between hypermobility, endometriosis, pelvic pain and other conditions affecting women. Why severe period pain should not simply be dismissed as “normal.” The emerging research around endometriosis, hypermobility and mast cell activation. The importance of recognising patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated symptoms. Why allied health practitioners can play an important role in screening, identifying red flags and referring patients for further investigation. How Dr. Kai approaches treating hypermobile patients within shorter chiropractic appointments. The role of screening questionnaires and medical history in identifying conditions such as POTS, MCAS, ADHD and hypermobility. When adjustments and manual therapy may—or may not—be appropriate for hypermobile patients. The importance of consent, clinical reasoning and being able to justify every treatment decision. Why exercises, lifestyle advice and patient education are essential alongside hands-on treatment. The danger of relying solely on adjustments or manual therapy to manage hypermobility. How practitioners can move beyond their “hands-on” skills and recognise the value of their knowledge, guidance and referrals. The importance of advocating for yourself when symptoms are severe, persistent or dismissed. Why greater awareness of hypermobility and related conditions is needed across healthcare. Dr. Kai’s Top 3 Takeaways 1. Common does not equal normal. Period pain, debilitating headaches, fatigue and other symptoms may be common, but that doesn't automatically make them normal. Severe or life-disrupting symptoms deserve investigation. 2. Allied health practitioners have an important role. Practitioners don't need to diagnose every condition themselves. Being aware of the signs, asking the right questions, screening appropriately and referring patients when needed can make a significant difference. 3. Advocate for yourself. If you're experiencing severe pelvic pain, debilitating periods, widespread body aches or other symptoms that don't feel right, don't simply accept them as something you have to live with. Seek further investigation and learn more about your own body. A Practical Hack: Schedule White Space Dr. Kai shares one habit that changed her life: deliberately scheduling “white space” into her calendar. Rather than filling every available hour, she leaves time where she has no commitments and can decide what her body needs—whether that's resting, gardening, catching up on life or simply doing nothing. For people managing fatigue, ADHD, endometriosis or hypermobility, creating intentional space can support pacing and help reduce the pressure to constantly be “doing.” A Message to Her Younger Self Dr. Kai's message to her younger self is simple: Eventually, the dots will connect. Looking back at childhood symptoms, painful periods and other experiences, many things that once seemed unrelated began to make sense once she understood her diagnoses. Her journey ultimately shaped the practitioner she became. What Needs to Change in Healthcare? Dr. Kai hopes to see greater awareness and collaboration across healthcare. Rather than expecting one practitioner to know or treat everything, she believes practitioners should recognise when something may be outside their scope, refer appropriately and work together as a team. Even simply recognising the possibility of hypermobility, POTS, MCAS or endometriosis could help patients receive answers much sooner. Find Dr. Kai Taylor Dr. Kai Taylor can be found on Instagram at @dr.kai.taylor She is also developing The Hypermobility Collective, a community-focused initiative for women in Perth. About The Invisible Podcast Hosted by Dr. Ashton Wilson, The Invisible Podcast explores invisible illness, hypermobility, chronic conditions and the experiences of people navigating healthcare and life with conditions that aren't always immediately visible. Follow Dr. Ashton Wilson on Instagram: @doc_ashtonn
