HSD/EDS, MCAS, and POTS

Presented by Heather Purdin and Patricia Stott

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Video Runtime: 90 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 42 Minutes

This course introduces the trifecta of disorders that occur more frequently together: hypermobility spectrum disorders/Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, mast cell activation syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Within this course, we review the prevalence of the conditions, the clinical presentation that may be seen with each condition, how the conditions affect each other, how the conditions may affect rehab and healing potential, and some self-management strategies for the systemic issues. This course is appropriate for those in physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and nursing.

Meet your instructors

Heather Purdin

Heather Purdin has been a practicing PT in an outpatient setting for 26 years and has a special interest in chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and connective tissue disorders. She is president of the Oregon Area Ehlers-Danlos Society. She is also president of Good Health Physical Therapy & Wellness, a private practice specializing…

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Patricia Stott

Patricia Stott treats primarily those with HSD/EDS and those considered highly sensitive patients at her own practice, Elevation Wellness, outside the Denver metro area in Colorado. Also trained in functional and herbal medicine, she works on health and wellness through holistic strategies with these patients, both in person…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Prevalence and Theory: What Is the Connection Between These Conditions?

The prevalence of each of these conditions separately is perhaps larger than the beginning practitioner is aware of within the general population. Together they do occur with more frequency, and recognizing this fact is key to understanding the whole presentation of the patient. The theories of correlation are discussed within this chapter.

2. MCAS Presentation: Signs, Symptoms, and Triggers

This chapter will provide a general review of mast cell activation syndrome, with PDFs provided to reference for signs, symptoms, and triggers. Pharmaceutical and naturopathic remedies are discussed briefly. MCAS complications may present as musculoskeletal issues that can confuse a practitioner in office. This chapter is offered to shed light on some confusing complications.

3. POTS Presentation: Signs, Symptoms, and Triggers

POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) is a form of dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is impaired regulation of the autonomic nervous system. This is seen more commonly in HSD and EDS. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of signs, symptoms, and triggers, also available through PDFs in this course. A brief review is provided on in-clinic diagnostic techniques, medical management, and holistic management.

4. MCAS and POTS: Effects on Rehab Outcomes

In this chapter, we explore the physical presentation we may see in MCAS and POTS in a bit more detail that would be important for a provider to understand when working with a patient. MCAS and POTS may cause musculoskeletal issues or changes in exercise tolerance for the patient and can also change the expected outcomes of a standardized program set up for them. Knowing what might be affected is essential for creating a more effective treatment strategy.

5. MCAS and POTS Patient and Practitioner Management Strategies

In the final chapter, we offer some basic recommendations to consider when working with a patient with these compounding conditions. Practitioner-related recommendations and programs are given, along with some self-management techniques for the patient.