Introduction to Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) in Our Practices

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Introduction to Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) in Our Practices

EDS and HSD are diseases affecting the connective tissues. They are thought to be genetic in origin. They are spectrum disorders and so symptom pictures are highly variable.

The Ehlers-Danlos Society offers this definition of EDS: The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 heritable connective tissue disorders. The conditions are caused by genetic changes that affect connective tissue. Each type of EDS has its own set of features with distinct diagnostic criteria. Some features are seen across all types of EDS, including joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility.

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders can co-occur with EDS or present on their own. There is often overlap in symptoms between the two and differentiating between them can be challenging.

The Ehlers-Danlos Society offers this definition of HSD: Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are connective tissue disorders that cause joint hypermobility, instability, injury, and pain. Other problems such as fatigue, headaches, GI problems, and autonomic dysfunction are often seen as part of HSD.

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What Inspires you?

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What Inspires you?

Our job isn't easy. And the holidays can make everything more intense, highs and lows. This week I have already seen multiple folks in more acute states of struggle than usual. It can sometimes be a challenge to fully show up for our people and make sure we are tending to our own sweet selves. Don't worry, this wont be a treatise on self-care. Rather, I'm thinking about "inspo!" Sometimes inspiration just happens and that's rad but unpredictable and we might need it more frequently than that. I believe we can cultivate that feeling of inspiration in lots of ways.

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Why I’m not that interested in the question “what kind of craniosacral therapy do you do/teach?”

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Why I’m not that interested in the question “what kind of craniosacral therapy do you do/teach?”

I get asked a lot about “my approach” to craniosacral therapy (CST). Of course, I have one. It is always evolving and is rooted in my experience of doing the work with the people I am treating. I am not beholden to anyone else’s ideas about the craniosacral system, I love being with each person’s system and listening to and participating with  how their system presents itself…

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The Thoracolumbar Junction: The place you need to know, but maybe don’t… 

/ Moving Mountain Institute/
The Thoracolumbar Junction: The place you need to know, but maybe don’t… 

One of the most important regions of the body when it comes to treating myofascial pain and some visceral issues is the thoracolumbar junction (TLJ). It is where the thoracic spine meets the lumbar spine - and a whole lot more.

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CASE STUDY: Hands-on treatments after COVID infection

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CASE STUDY: Hands-on treatments after COVID infection

Under our current healthcare system, bodyworkers, naturopaths, and TCM practitioners are all expected to treat the people and symptom sets that the system can’t or won't.

We are the main interface with healthcare for many. That means we have to be looking out for our people. As we move deeper into the pandemic, our role is essential.

Providing effective treatment to patients in the healing and recovery stages of COVID infection demands a nuanced, oblique view of this new disease vector.

I recently had a case that underscores the importance of how we treat COVID, holistically.

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Flipped Learning for Hands-On Healers

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Flipped Learning for Hands-On Healers

You know the struggle so well. You’re psyched for a class and want to learn as much as you can to help your clients or patients. The instructor knows what they’re talking about and the technique is great. And yet…

It all happens too fast. The lectures, the labs, the task switching, the jumble and complexity and and and… and you can’t take it all in. You struggle to focus on the thing that got you so excited to be there in the first place.

A "flipped" classroom addresses this struggle. We feel it's the ideal format for learning hands-on skills like bodywork, acupuncture, and other hands-on skills.

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