Description
This educational talk will explore evidence-based treatment breakthroughs for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), highlighting the essential role physiatrists play in managing these complex conditions. Participants will learn about the paradigm shift from isolated joint treatment to whole-body rehabilitation approaches, with emphasis on therapeutic exercise and motor function training as the most efficacious interventions supported by current evidence. The session will cover novel interventional strategies including prolotherapy for refractory joint instability, multimodal pain management techniques, and the strategic use of adaptive equipment to optimize function. The webinar will demonstrate how physiatrists can serve as coordinators of comprehensive, multidisciplinary care teams addressing the musculoskeletal, autonomic, psychological, and functional dimensions of hEDS/HSD. Through case-based discussion and practical implementation guidance, attendees will gain actionable strategies for exercise prescription, team coordination, psychological integration, and self-management education. The presentation will include a patient perspective to provide lived experience insights, followed by an interactive Q session addressing clinical implementation challenges, coding considerations, and collaboration strategies. This session is designed for physiatrists, rehabilitation professionals, and allied health providers seeking to enhance their evidence-based approach to this underserved population.
Learning Objectives
After completing this live activity, the participant should be able to:
- Describe recent evidence supporting whole-body rehabilitation approaches for hEDS/HSD
- Implement therapeutic exercise and motor function training protocols based on current evidence
- Coordinate multidisciplinary care teams for complex hypermobility patients
- Apply novel strategies for joint stabilization
- Integrate psychological support and self-management education into treatment plans
Accreditation Statement
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CME Credit Designation
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) designates this live activityfor a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure Statement
In accordance with ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, AAPM&R requires all individuals who are in a position to affect the strategic direction of AAPM&R and/or control the content of an educational activity to disclose all financial relationships with any ineligible company within the last 24 months. The ACCME defines an “ineligible company” as any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Disclosures are made in written form prior to the start of the educational activity, and any potential conflicts of interest that exist are mitigated prior to the start of the activity through AAPM&R’s Conflict of Interest Disclosure and Resolution Policy Process. Individuals in a position to affect the strategic direction of AAPM&R and/or control content and their disclosed financial relationships are listed below.
No other planners, faculty, or individuals in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships.
Principle Faculty
Name, Credential(s): Company Name, Nature of financial relationship;
Jennifer Hankenson MD, FAAPMR - Nothing to Disclose
AAPM&R Medical Education Committee
Name, Credential(s): Company Name, Nature of financial relationship
Rachel Brakke Holman, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Sarah M. Eickmeyer, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Chelsea D. Frost, MD, MS - Nothing to Disclose
David J. Haustein, MBA,MD,MBA - Relationships to Disclose
Sarah K. Hwang, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Ravi E. Kasi, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Caroline Pupke, DO - Nothing to Disclose
Monica E. Rho, MD - Nothing to Disclose
McCasey R. Smith, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Jennifer A. Soo Hoo, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Brionn K. Tonkin, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Stephanie Tow, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Justin L. Weppner, DO - Nothing to Disclose
Alexandra G. Wolfe, DO - Nothing to Disclose
FDA Disclosures
All faculty members for this activity have disclosed they do not intend to discuss or demonstrate any pharmaceutical or medical device for which FDA clearance has not been approved.