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Course Offering

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders & Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes- Systemic Manifestations, Treatment Approach, & Navigating the Complex Patient. 

Course Description

This course will cover differential diagnosis and treatment of hypermobility, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). HSD/EDS is a commonly overlooked condition that can have a major impact on the general health and wellbeing of patients. Studies show a high incidence of patients with these conditions repeatedly seeking assistance from physical therapy. PT is described as one of the most useful interventions; however, a majority of patients report failed PT experiences. This course will explain the complex medical comorbidities that can arise in patients with these conditions and will educate on what rehabilitation professionals can do to assist optimal recovery. It will explain when to refer out for specialty care and will cover screening for comorbidities and the interaction of multiple comorbidities so that the rehab professional can empower patients in lifestyle changes that support improved health. The course will cover examination and treatment of unusual subluxations and will present a paradigm of treatment approach that rehabilitation experts find effective in working with this population. The course will incorporate lab time to practice skills learned and will include case presentations to aid in solidifying the material covered.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of this course participants will be able to:  - perform in clinic examinations to screen for HSD/hEDS and will have access to online resources for screening other types of EDS.  - screen for common comorbidities such as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Autonomic Dysfunction, and Digestive Issues and will know when to refer out for specialty care  -modify treatments to accommodate comorbidities  -perform in clinic testing for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and will be able to modify exercise approaches for treatment of POTS.  -recognize common subluxations in the major joints of the body and will demonstrate at least one treatment for correction of these subluxations  -understand the treatment paradigm presented so they can apply it to treatment of patients with HSD/EDS  -gain mastery over treatment progression in this patient population  -identify red flags that require safety checks prior to continuing with treatment  -identify common neurological manifestations in HSD/EDS.  -identify the multiple types and drivers of pain that patients with HSD/EDS may present with.

Course Pamphlet

Instructor

Heather Purdin, PT, MS, CMPT has been practicing PT in an outpatient setting for 26 years with a special interest in orthopedics, manual therapy, chronic pain, connective tissue disorders, and complex medical issues. She is President of the Oregon Area Ehlers-Danlos Society and runs a monthly support group for those navigating HSD/EDS. She owns Good Health Physical Therapy & Wellness, a private practice specializing in connective tissue disorders and hypermobility in Portland, OR. Ms Purdin is a Certified Manual Physical Therapist through NAIOMT. She uses a variety of manual therapy approaches and incorporates biomechanical concepts in her stabilization exercises and strengthening of patients. Her patient population is currently 95% patients who are hypermobile and/or have EDS. Ms. Purdin has developed online courses and presented nationally for APTA (NEXT and CSM), and extensively in Oregon aiming to raise awareness of this condition in the medical and lay communities. She is releasing a book in 2023 with Dr. Patricia Stott, DPT called Taming the Zebra - It's Much More than Hypermobility which aims to educate rehabilitation professionals in managing HSD/EDS.

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Course Details

2 day onsite course. Will receive e-links to online course materials 1 week prior to course.

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CCU

Where CCUs are accepted

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Refund Policy

Refunds up to 30 days before the event

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Registration

$599

$450 early bird

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Image by Stephane YAICH

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Abrianna L.

I loved this course and it has already benefited my life and the lives of many of my patients.

April T.

I really appreciate this speaker's wholistic approach to healing! And she is so intelligent. I trusted all of her informationm and value her sense of humor too!

Sarah S. 

Really great course and exciting that EDS and hypermobility conditions are being talked about. 

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