Treatment of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (MORE than Joint Hypermobility)

– An important, under-recognized role for Hand Therapists 

Course content:

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are connective tissue disorders that are generally characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility and tissue fragility, and commonly seen with concomitant dysautonomia.
This unique learning experience will be co-presented by Pat McKee and two individuals with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Nicole and Ariel, both with long-standing EDS, have become experts in the condition. They will provide unique insights into their lived experiences, various manifestations of EDS and the impact on daily functioning. This presentation will illustrate how collaboration between client and therapist helps to address pain control and participation in activities that are valued by the client. Innovative devices and orthoses were created using various thermoplastics and neoprene and include silver-ring orthoses. The importance of hand therapy for clients with EDS will become apparent. The therapist/client collaboration with Nicole has spanned almost a decade.

There will be opportunities for participants to pose questions.

Course language:

This Course will be taught in English. Questions may be asked in German, Italian, French and English.

Course Facilitators Sarah & Vera, will assist with translation of questions if needed.

Course instructor:

Pat McKee MSc, OT, Ontario, Canada

& 2 co-presenters

Pat McKee is an Associate Professor Emeritus, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto (UofT). For 40+ years, she has taught anatomy, hand therapy, biomechanics, orthotics (splinting), ergonomics and occupational therapy for musculoskeletal conditions to students and therapists.

She co-authored the textbook “Orthotics in Rehabilitation: Splinting the Hand and Body”, as well as numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, including “Client-centered Bio-occupational Framework for Orthotic Intervention” in Rehabilitation of the Hand and Upper Extremity.

Pat is also a guitar-playing, singer-songwriter. Most notably she wrote and recorded “Look Beyond” which was adopted as Canada’s Official Song for International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981. http://youtu.be/Ol6lOl5HHlY Among other songs she has written is “The Crazy Hand Anatomy Blues”. 

She is co-developer of the Anatomy Glove Learning System, educational media used by hand therapists and university instructors in over 30 countries world-wide. http://www.anatomysoftwear.com