Physiotherapy and Multidisciplinary Approaches to treating and managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)
This presentation covers a brief outline and characterisation of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. A clinical based approach to applying the 2017 International Diagnostic Criteria for these disorders will be discussed. An extensive discussion on physiotherapy based treatment for EDS and HSD will be covered. An outline of how musculoskeletal specialists and allied health professionals can effectively work together underpins the importance of a collaborative approach. Desired learning outcomes include gaining foundational knowledge on EDS and HSD and integrating these ideas into your clinical practice. Biography Anita Crawshaw is the clinical director of The Hypermobility Clinic in Christchurch, New Zealand. She has been a practising physiotherapist for the last 20 years, and has built a reputation as the leading New Zealand physiotherapist for clients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and other related hypermobility conditions. Anita believes in taking a holistic and empathetic approach, and is well known for advocating for her clients throughout the medical community. Anita graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Otago and went on to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health. In 2018, Anita along with Dr Jenny Keightley, spearheaded and formed a group of like-minded clinicians which regularly meet to upskill and share knowledge in this rapidly advancing field. Anita also participates with the Australian hypermobility clinicians group and enjoys conversing and sharing ideas with her Australian counterparts. People that work with clients who have Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes generally have a connection with it, either through themselves or family members. Anita is able to achieve transformative results for her clients, partly because she has had to learn how to overcome many of the challenges that come with living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome herself. Her personal experience ignited a passion for helping and treating clients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. In 2021, Anita established The Hypermobility Clinic with the intention of elevating the level of support and knowledge for clients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. Alongside musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Anita is well regarded for educating and treating the associated comorbidities that commonly occur with hypermobility related conditions. |