An Introduction to Hypermobility Related Disorders

Overview

This online course will provide an introductory  overview of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), the most common types of heritable connective tissue disorders. 

These conditions significantly impact the quality of life of those affected and present unique challenges in diagnosis and management due to their complex nature. HSD and hEDS affect numerous tissues throughout the body, resulting in a wide array of symptoms across different systems. 

These symptoms can include joint hypermobility, which often results in joint pain instability and frequent dislocations or subluxations. Chronic pain is another hallmark of these conditions, which can severely impact daily activities and overall well-being. Skin abnormalities, such as hyperextensibility, easy bruising and poor wound healing are also common and can contribute to the clinical complexity. 

These disorders often coexist with other conditions, known as comorbidities, which can further complicate the clinical presentation and management of patients. 

Common comorbidities associated with HSD and hEDS include Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition characterized by abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing, which can lead to dizziness and fainting. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is another frequent comorbidity, involving inappropriate mast cell activation that can cause a range of allergic-type symptoms. 

Additionally, various gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are prevalent among individuals with HSD and hEDS, adding to the complexity of symptom management. 

You will expand more on these topics within this course!

Relevance to Physiotherapy

Participants in this course will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize HSD and hEDS in clinical practice. They will learn to identify the characteristic signs and symptoms of these disorders, understand the impact of associated comorbidities and appreciate the importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patient care. 

The course will cover conservative evaluation and management approaches that aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this online course, participants will be able to: 

1. Describe the presentation of patients with hypermobility related disorders (aka: hypermobility) including clinical features, systemic symptoms, functional impact and patient demographics.
2. Identify common comorbidities that may impact healthcare including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MACS), Gastrointestinal disorders and mental health concerns. 
3. Outline appropriate clinical reasoning for examination, evaluation and diagnosis of patients with hypermobility including diagnostic criteria. 
4. Describe principles of management for this patient population including conservative management, physical therapy interventions, pharmacological management, lifestyle modifications, and multidisciplinary care.

Audience

This online course is designed for all healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, kinesiologists and other allied health practitioners involved in the care of patients with connective tissue disorders. It is also beneficial for students and educators in the medical and health sciences field.