September Mile High District Monthly Educational Series: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – from Basics to Advanced

It takes on average 10-12 years before a patient with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is properly diagnosed. In the meantime, patients are told “not to worry,” “you just have some growing pains,” or “there is nothing wrong with you.” In some cases, a delayed diagnosis can result in permanent disability. Physical therapists can play a key role in recognizing EDS (which may lead to a proper medical diagnosis), educating patients with EDS, and providing evidence-based interventions and solutions. In this lecture, Dr. Jan Dommerholt, PT, DPT, a recognized expert in the physical therapy management of patients with EDS, will give an overview of the syndrome, present a few challenging cases, including anterior brainstem compression and Chiari malformation, and provide guidelines for physical therapy.