This in-person course will cover differential diagnosis and treatment of hypermobility, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). It will shed light on the complex medical comorbidities that can arise in patients with these conditions and offer insight into what rehabilitation professionals can do to assist optimal recovery. It will explain when to refer out for specialty care and will cover screening for comorbidities and the interaction of multiple comorbidities so that the rehab professional can empower patients in lifestyle changes that support improved health. The course will cover examination and treatment of unusual subluxations and will present a paradigm of treatment approach that rehabilitation experts find effective in working with this population. Lastly, the course will incorporate lab time to practice skills learned and will include case presentations to aid in solidifying the material covered.
Practising clinicians (especially physiotherapists/ physical therapists) and manual therapists with an interest in pain neuroscience education (PNE) and hands-on, experiential tools for treatment.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course participants will be able to:
Perform clinical examinations to screen for HSD/hEDS and will have access to online resources for screening other types of EDS
Screen for common comorbidities such as Mast Cell ActivationSyndrome, Autonomic Dysfunction, and Digestive Issues and will know when to refer out for specialty care
Modify treatments to accommodate comorbidities
Perform clinical testing for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and will be able to modify exercise approaches for treatment of POTS
Recognize common subluxations in the major joints of the body and will demonstrate at least one treatment for correction of these subluxations
Understand the treatment paradigm presented so they can apply it to treatment of patients with HSD/EDS
Gain mastery over treatment progression in this patient population
Identify red flags that require safety checks prior to continuing with treatment
Identify common neurological manifestations in HSD/EDS
Identify the multiple types and drivers of pain that patients with HSD/EDS may present with
Course Agenda - 17.5 Contact Hours
DAY 1
5:30 pm Registration
6:00-7:00 pm Introduction to pathophysiology, etiology, epidemiology, & diagnostic criteria
7:00-7:20 pm (Lab) Application of diagnostic criteria
7:20-7:30 pm Break
7:30-8:30 pm Dysautonomia and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), pathophysiology & diagnostic criteria
8:30-8:40 pm Q&A
DAY 2
7:40-8:00 am Coffee/ tea & check in
8:00-9:15 am Beyond Diagnosis: Physical therapy examination and evaluation of patients with HSD and EDS
9:15-9:45 am (Lab) Application of PT examination techniques
9:45-10:00 am Break
10:00-11:00 am Mast cell activation disorder (MCAD), gut health and pelvic health issues
11:00am-12:00 pm Musculoskeletal interventions for HSD/hEDS and POTS through the life-span.
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch (on your own)
1:00-1:30 pm (Lab) Interventions for HSD and POTS, including both case studies of pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, small and large group discussion about treatment modifications
1:30-1:45 pm Q&A
1:45-2:45 pm Upper extremity examination and treatment.
2:45-3:00 pm Break
3:00-3:30 pm (Lab) Elbow and hand assessment and treatment of common subluxations
3:30-4:15 pm Psychosocial components of care: sleep hygiene, stress management, coping skills
4:15-4:30 pm Integrating with other providers: medical management, etc.
4:30-5:00 pm Medically complex case studies
DAY 3
7:40-8:00 am Coffee/ tea & check in
8:00-9:00 pm Neurological Manifestations in EDS/HSD
9:00-9:30 am Examination of the mid to lower cervical spine and upper cervical spine, treatment approaches and activation of stabilizers.
9:30-10:00 am (Lab) Practice palpating and treatment via long hold repositioning, activation of stabilizers, and self treatment approaches
10:00-10:15 am Break
10:15-11:00 am Pain generators and differential treatment approaches.
11:00am-12:00 pm Thoracic spine and lumbar evaluation and techniques to aid alignment.
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch (on your own)
1:00-1:30 pm (Lab) Assessing and teaching self treatments of thoracic, rib and lumbar subluxations
1:30-2:30 pm Hip vs Pelvis subluxations
2:30-3:00 pm (Lab) Assessing spine vs pelvis vs hip subluxations
3:00-3:15 pm Break
3:15-4:00 pm Knee, tibiofibular and foot subluxations - evaluation and treatment ideas for common subluxations
4:00-4:30 pm (Lab) Assessing knee vs tibiofibular vs foot subluxation
4:30-5:00 pm Orthopedically complex case studies
HEATHER PURDIN
MS, PT, CMPT, co-author of Taming the Zebra: The Definitive Physical Therapy Guide to Managing HSD/EDS
Heather Purdin is a Physical Therapist and the owner of Good Health Physical Therapy & Wellness in Portland, Oregon. She brings nearly three decades of clinical experience specializing in orthopedic and manual therapy, with particular expertise in hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS).
Heather holds advanced certification in Manual Physical Therapy from the North American Institute of Orthopedic and Manual Therapy (NAIOMT) and earned both her Master of Science in Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Duke University, graduating magna cum laude.
Her manual therapy background includes joint mobilization (Paris and NAIOMT approaches), myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, visceral mobilization, and a range of soft-tissue and neuromuscular techniques. She has worked across outpatient orthopedic, acute care, and neurological rehabilitation settings.
Heather has been an active leader in her field, serving in multiple roles with the Oregon Physical Therapy Association, including Secretary, Public Relations Committee member, and Continuing Education Committee member. Since 2013, she has chaired the Oregon Area Ehlers-Danlos Society and Support Group, providing education and advocacy for individuals living with HSD and EDS.
Recognized for her excellence in clinical practice, Heather has been named one of Portland Monthly Magazine’s Top Doctors (2015, 2018, 2023) and received the Opencare Patients’ Choice Award in 2015. She is also the author of Taming the Zebra – It’s Much More Than Hypermobility: The Definitive Physical Therapy Guide to Managing HSD/EDS, a leading resource for both professionals and patients seeking to understand and manage hypermobility.
Course Dates: October 2-3-4, 2026
Times: See detailed times above
Cost: $799 per person
Early Bird Discount: $675. Use code NY EARLY BIRD at checkout by 7/31/2026 to receive the early registration discount ($675).
Location: KNOSIS - 7 West 22nd, 8th Floor, NYC
We look forward to seeing you soon!
For more information or questions, contact info@tamingthezebra.org
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
We understand plans change and illness and emergencies arise. Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the course date will receive a refund of the amount paid for the course less a $50 processing fee. Cancellations made within 3 - 6 days will incur a 20% fee. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course will incur a 30% fee.