Our Chiropractor Dr Clare has recently taken part in the Ehlers-Danlos ECHO Allied Health Professionals Australia program. The Allied Health Professionals ECHO program is a global program for practicing allied health professionals across all disciplines who want to improve their ability to care for people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and associated symptoms and conditions.
The program has six modules that run throughout the year and covers topics including diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and comorbidities associated with EDS and HSD.
Did you know that May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) awareness month?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes:
- Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of connective tissue disorders that are generally characterised by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility (skin that can be stretched further than normal) and tissue fragility. They are varied in how they affect the body and their genetic causes.
- Is usually caused by a gene mutation and can be inherited.
- There are 13 different types of EDS. Each type has a set of clinical criteria that help guide diagnosis.
- A definitive diagnosis of EDS subtypes often requires molecular testing to determine the gene mutation that has occurred.
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders:
- spectrum disorders are a group of conditions involving joint hypermobility.
- Joint hypermobility is a term that is used to describe the capability of joints to move beyond normal limits.
- It can be found to a couple of joints (less than 5), localised joint hypermobility; or can be more widespread (more than 5) resulting in generalised joint hypermobility.
Connective tissue:
Connective tissue is material in the body that binds, supports, and separates tissues and organs.
Connective tissue provides:
- Strength in tendons and ligaments
- Flexibility with bloody vessels
- General functions such as passing oxygen and nutrients from capillaries to cells
- Connective tissue disorders disrupt the fundamental process and structures resulting in problems that are widespread and range in severity.
Treatment:
Treatment aims to help manage the symptoms of EDS and HSD.
Physical therapy, such as chiropractic treatment, is useful to address
- Pain
- Proprioception
- Balance
- Muscle tone
- Overall physical fitness
Each patient has treatment that is tailored to their needs.
For more information on EDS and HSD contact Dr Clare Halpin (Chiropractor) at EIR Family Chiropractic and Wellness.
Dr Clare's Appointment Times are Changing from July Onwards:
Mon No Longer Available
Wed 1pm - 7pm
Fri 8am - 1pm
Sat 2pm - 5pm
