Marcia Perretto grew up in Brazil surrounded by physicians, fell in love with medicine early, and spent years becoming one of the most globally recognized specialists in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hypermobility disorders.

But through all that training, she kept noticing the same flaw in the medical system: patients weren’t getting the time or attention needed to address root causes. So she built something different—a holistic practice that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms.

What she didn’t expect… was that she would become the patient.

After nearly dying during labor, undergoing three hip surgeries, and ending up in a wheelchair, she hit a point where she wasn’t fighting to get back to the things she loved—she was fighting just to stay here. Ironically, the hip specialist had to learn how to walk again.

What followed was more than seven years of rebuilding—one small, unglamorous win at a time—until the day she returned to what she loves: line dancing, horseback riding, running, and weightlifting.

I met Dr. Perretto when I was living in Florida and starting to lose hope. She helped me see that getting back to the life I love is actually possible.

Her experience as a patient didn’t just change her perspective—it made her a far better doctor. In her words, it was one of the greatest blessings in disguise… and something she would go through all over again.

This is an honest conversation between two people living in hypermobile bodies—what it’s like to navigate chronic pain, the ego, healing, and what it really takes to get better.

The lessons go far beyond hypermobility.

Whatever you’re healing from—this one’s for you.

Welcome to Episode 46.

Check Out Dr. Perretto’s:

IG: the_eds_pt

Clinic: ActifyPT.com

Linkedin: Marcia Perretto

Book: Unlocking the Secrets of to the Hypermobility Puzzle

*stay tuned for her new book coming out late 2026

Books Mentioned

Radical-Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds

The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Die with Zero

Elevate the Experience

Help bring better audio, video, and filmed episodes to life: Venmo. I tithe 10% of all contributions—half to the All Secure Foundation (supporting soldiers’ transition home) and half to the Academy of the New Church High School.

Stay Connected

Contact: https://ethanclewin.com/

A Note from Me

I’m inspired by the stories people carry, the power of honest feedback, and the magic that happens when creative minds connect. If you’re a brand interested in partnering, let’s talk: LinkedIn.

Thanks for being part of this journey—PEACE!