Heather Purdin: How to manage Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

Healthy Wealthy & Smart

In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy, and Smart podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy discusses hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes with guest Heather Purdin, a physical therapist specializing in these conditions. They delve into the definitions and management of these disorders, shedding light on the systemic manifestations and ways to address them. Heather, author of "Taming the Zebra," offers valuable insights for healthcare professionals and patients. Tune in to learn more about these important topics in healthcare.

Time Stamps:

[00:03:28] The immune system and mast cells.

[00:05:33] EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders.

[00:08:44] Signs of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

[00:14:01] The weight of the shoulders.

[00:17:17] Patient sensitization in physical therapy.

[00:20:22] A marathon, not a sprint.

[00:21:55] Physical therapy misconceptions.

[00:26:29] Support groups for health conditions.

[00:30:11] Stabilizing joints during movement.

[00:33:04] Patient trust and communication.

[00:36:33] Advice to 20-year-old self.

More About Heather Purdin, MS, PT, CMPT:

Heather Purdin graduated magna cum laude from Duke University in 1995, with a BS in Psychology. At Duke she explored the biopsychosocial mechanisms of healthcare, an approach that would later become integral to her patient care. She received her master’s degree in physical therapy from Duke (1997), where she won a Special Initiatives Award, “for exceptional contributions to enhance the awareness of cultural diversity in our program and profession.” Heather’s experience and voracious appetite for continuing education helped her develop a holistic set of manual therapy skills to aid tracking, alignment and tissue tension balance as well as an arsenal of mind-body techniques for pain and exercises for stabilization and general strength. In 2016, she became a certified manual therapist (CMPT) through the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy. She has given numerous lectures locally and nationally on the subject of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders. She has received Portland Monthly Magazine’s Top Doctors listing in 2015, 2018 and 2023. When she’s not working on presentations, writing, or at the office, she enjoys gardening, hiking, walking her dogs, water sports, acting, and playing games with her retired soccer teammates, friends, partner Ken and their children. Heather loves the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest and resides in Portland, Oregon.

Resources from this Episode:

Taming the Zebra Website

Good Health Physical Therapy

Good Health Physical Therapy Instagram

Taming the Zebra Instagram

Good health Physical Therapy Facebook

Heather's courses on Medbrige

Taming the Zebra’s Courses

Taming the Zebra Book on Amazon

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