Strategies for Exercising with EDS and HSD

This 3-hour workshop, taught by Dr. Marcia C. Perretto, dives into practical and adaptable strategies for maintaining physical activity when living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD). We’ll explore exercise modifications tailored to diverse physical abilities, emphasizing safe and effective ways to incorporate movement into daily routines.

Topics include understanding the mechanics of levers and their role in exercise adaptation, the significance of ground reaction forces, and the advantages of short-lever versus long-lever movements. We’ll also discuss the benefits of closed-chain versus open-chain exercises, focusing on joint stability and functional movement. Additionally, we’ll address how conditions often comorbid with EDS, such as POTS and MCAS, influence exercise tolerance and strategies to manage these challenges. This session is designed for practitioners looking to create sustainable and individualized exercise plans.

By the end of this workshop, you will:

• Understand how to adapt exercises for individuals with EDS and HSD
• Learn strategies to address comorbid conditions like POTS and MCAS in movement planning
• Gain insights into the benefits of levers, ground reaction forces, and exercise chain types for joint stability and functional movement

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Marcia C. Perretto, PT, DPT, COMT, INHC, CLT, YTT-200
Orthopedic Specialist, EDS, POTS, MCAS Expert

Dr. Marcia C. Perretto, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, with advanced training in movement sciences, Lymphedema, Integrative Nutrition Health, Pilates, Yoga Therapy, and Neurac Redcord®. She is the founder and CEO of Actify, a highly specialized clinic that focuses on the wellness and treatment of those who present with joint hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and its comorbidities like Dysautonomia, Mast Cell Activation Disorder, and Autonomic dysfunction – Vagus Nerve dysregulation. She has a special focus to the studies of human movement sciences as well as the neurosciences of pain and its impact on people’s lives and has developed a special approach to address the neuromyofascial pain syndromes with the use of scientific proven processes of brain training and advanced musculoskeletal methods. ​Her goal is to help those with joint hypermobility, chronic pain, MCAD, and POTS/Dysautonomia to take control of their lives by not only strengthening their muscles but through a holistic approach that addresses their entire bodies and learning how to live a healthier and more fulfilled life.

The current healthcare system is in general focused on the model of typically offers fragmented care that only focuses on one condition or body system at a time, utilizing a “Band-Aid” approach that masks symptoms without putting out the original fire. By integrating knowledge of underlying pathogens, toxic burden, food sensitivities and allergies, nervous system function, gastrointestinal health, nutrient levels, the mind-body connection, musculoskeletal function, lifestyle factors, and other health variables, Dr. Perretto believes that patients can begin to reduce inflammation and heal from the inside-out.

A one-time semi-professional figure skater who has had three hip surgeries, and has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome herself, she knows first hand the pain of hypermobile joints, subluxations and joint dislocations and all other systemic symptoms brought about by hEDS and the challenge of full rehabilitation when experiencing such symptoms. ​

Dr. Perretto is an active researcher in hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and hypermobility disorders in partnership with several medical professionals in the areas of movement science and hypermobility syndromes. She has served as a clinical instructor for Nova Southeastern University and Florida International University for the Entry Level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She is an educator and recognized speaker both nationally and internationally in the areas of orthopedics, neurosciences, genetic collagen disorders and hypermobility spectrum disorders. ​

After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy at a recognized catholic university in south Brazil, Dr. Perretto completed her transition to Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Nova Southeastern University. Later she completed her Manual Therapy Certification at the Ola Grimsby Institute in California and a Health Coach Training program with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, where she learned more than 100 dietary theories and a holistic approach to wellness. Dr. Perretto is certified on Lymphedema treatment (LTC), holds a yoga therapy instructor certification (YTT200), and has extensive training in Neurac Redcord® and Redcord® Active. Redcord® Active is a unique suspension training process that offers a specialized skill set in kinetic-chain assessments and corrective exercise programs proven to be an efficient workout that delivers muscle strength and flexibility as well as facilitates injury prevention, rehabilitation, wellness and performance.

Dr. Perretto continuously develops her knowledge and training in movement sciences, neuroscience of pain and hypermobility syndromes and has developed advanced skills in the use of Yoga as a tool for rehabilitation and the NEURAC Redcord, a Norwegian system of musculoskeletal treatment for patients with joint instability. Dr. Perretto is the first to offer NEURAC Redcord treatment in Boca Raton. ​

She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), National Strength and Conditioning Association, Hypermobility Syndromes Association and the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.

Want to register for more than one? Click here to bundle up and save!