Individuals
Allied Health
Medical Practitioners
Medical Practitioners
Patients can go undiagnosed for 15 years.
Your expertise can change that.
- Help to improve diagnosis pathways
- Support your patients confidently and effectively
- Keep up-to-date with key research developments
- Access expert training, webinars, and ongoing mentoring
1 in 5 Australians over the age of 45 complain of chronic pain (a major symptom of EDS, hEDS & HSD)
Up to 90% of HSD, hEDS and EDS patients present to GPs and physios with pain as their first symptom
More than 50% of patients with EDS and hEDS report clinician-related patient traumatisation and up to 90% felt invalidated by their clinicians
More than 50% of patients with Autism Spectrum also are hypermobile
Up to 46% of children with EDS and HSD are also diagnosed with ADHD
EDS, hEDS, and HSD disproportionately impact females, with 80-90% of cases occurring in women
57% of patients with chronic pain in Australia rely on pain medications/analgesics
For medical practitioners
We help medical practitioners confidently diagnose & provide holistic care for patients living with Hypermobility, HSD, hEDS, EDS, POTS, Dysautonomia, MCAS, and Neurodivergent presentations.
Equip yourself with our high-quality, research-based resources and tools that enhance the care you deliver and support better long-term outcomes for your patients:
Improve clinical confidence and clarity
Access unique software tools and information that streamlines assessment and supports more accurate, timely decision-making and treatment.
Advance your skills with expert training & mentoring
Tailored courses, webinars, and mentoring that deepen your knowledge and keep you practising inline with the current research.
Grow your professional network
Connect with like-minded clinicians, share expertise, and strengthen your multidisciplinary support pathways.
Stay ahead with the latest evidence
Receive timely updates on new research, upcoming training, and key professional events - ensuring you never fall behind.
Health conditions and concerns we support
- Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH)
- Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)
- Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD)
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and allergies
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Neurodivergent conditions (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA))
- Frequent joint dislocations or subluxations, sprains and strains
- Digestive issues (e.g., Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)-like symptoms)
- Anxiety, Depression, and other Mental Health Conditions
- Chronic joint or muscle pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pes planus (flat feet) with associated excessive pronation
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), including Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)
- Dysautonomia (autonomic nervous system dysfunction)
- Developmental difficulties, including handwriting challenges or delays in reaching milestones
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Pelvic floor, bladder, and bowel concerns
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Latest Articles
Building a community, to make a difference.
At Hypermobility Health Connect® we empower individuals with Hypermobility, HSD, EDS, and related conditions, including POTS, Dysautonomia, MCAS, and neurodivergence. We also equip healthcare professionals with best-practice knowledge to enhance care, bridging the gap between lived experience and professional expertise.
Together, we foster a more informed, connected, and supportive community.
15 Years
Average time to get a hEDS or EDS diagnosis in Australia.
75%
Percentage of EDS patients who believe they have been misdiagnosed
Up to 88%
Percentage of patients with Fibromyalgia who also have hEDS or EDS
3 Years
Average waiting list to see a HSD, hEDS or EDS specialist in Australia
Support & Community Groups
Find a support group to connect, share, and find guidance for managing Hypermobility, HSD, EDS and related conditions together.
Support from people with lived experience- Find your community and support
- Local and national networks
Want to add your support group to the list? Contact us.
The Hypermobility Health Connect® difference
Personalised tools to evaluate and manage Hypermobility, HSD & hEDS- Raising awareness of Hypermobility, HSD, hEDS and related conditions
- Evidence-based resources for individuals and healthcare professionals
- Support with holistic and regular therapy/medical treatment options
- Empowering self-management and advocacy for improved quality of life
- Connecting healthcare professionals to collaborate and share expertise
- Specialised training and mentoring for accurate diagnosis and treatment
- Growing the number of experienced clinicians to expand access to care
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered
Q1. How can Hypermobility Health Connect® assist your clinical team?
Hypermobility Health Connect® offers specialised education and professional development designed to equip allied health and medical professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills to recognise, confidently & accurately diagnose, and effectively manage individuals with Hypermobility, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).
Led by Pauline Slater(B.App.Sc (Physio), M.Ed., MAPA (Pain & Paediatrics), MAPS, HMSA Member, EDS Society Affiliate, POTS Foundation Member), our programs include face-to-face workshops, presentations, live webinars, and mentoring to deliver evidence-based, hands-on learning. This integrated approach to education and training supports enhanced clinical outcomes.
Q2. How common are Hypermobility, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and the Ehlers Danlos Syndromes (EDSs)?
Hypermobility is relatively common, especially among certain populations. Understanding its prevalence is challenging due to misdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, and inconsistent assessments.
For physiotherapists, those treating pain and rehabilitation health professionals, individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) may represent 30-40% of those seeking treatment for pain or musculoskeletal conditions, rising to 55% when considering only females.
Studies show that 5-43% of the general population have generalised joint hypermobility (G-JH), with higher rates in females and individuals of Asian, Middle Eastern, Inuit, or African ethnicity.
Approximately 10% of those with generalised joint hypermobility experience physical and/or psychological symptoms, making them eligible for assessment for a Heritable Connective Tissue Disorder like hEDS or HSD. HSD and hEDS are now believed to be up to 10 times more common than previously thought.
In a London Rheumatology clinic, 58% of non-Caucasian females and 29% of males exhibited generalised joint hypermobility syndrome. A 2021 study in Wales reported the prevalence of hEDS and HSD to be around 1 in every 500 people.
Want to know more?
Q3. What is the importance of differential diagnosis of Hypermobility, Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) in managing your patient’s pain symptoms?
HSD and hEDS are complex diseases that can cause distinct types of pain, including musculoskeletal, neurological, visceral, autonomic, and psychosocial pain. Identifying the exact cause of pain is crucial for effective treatment.
Differential diagnosis of pain causation is essential for several reasons:
- Up to 90% of patients report pain as their first symptom, and around 50% of hEDS patients experience chronic pain.
- Individuals with hEDS and HSD may represent 30-40% of those seeking treatment for pain or musculoskeletal conditions, rising to 55% when considering only females.
- Hypermobility is common, with prevalence rates varying widely across different populations and age groups.
- HSD and EDS can present with symptoms that overlap with other musculoskeletal and systemic conditions, making accurate differential diagnosis crucial for appropriate treatment.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can significantly impact patients’ quality of life, leading to prolonged suffering and inappropriate treatments.
- Managing HSD often requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals.
- A considerable proportion of patients attending pain and rheumatology clinics have HSD or related conditions.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management, holistic and tailored treatment plans, preventing misdiagnosis and potential mistreatment, and improving patient outcomes.
Want to know more?
Q4. What are the overlapping conditions that are seen in Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), Hypermobility, and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), and why do you as a health professional, need to know?
Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), Hypermobility, and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) can significantly impact an individual’s life due to overlapping conditions:
- Pain and Fibromyalgia: Chronic pain is common, with up to 90% of patients reporting pain as their first symptom and around 50% experiencing chronic pain.
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Frequently associated with hEDS and HSD, affecting up to 70% of patients.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Issues like IBS, GERD, vitamin deficiencies, and slow gastrointestinal transit are common, affecting 33-50% of patients.
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): Seen in about 25% of hEDS patients, causing allergic-like symptoms.
- Anxiety and Depression: Up to 70% of hEDS patients may experience anxiety.
- Neurodivergence Links: Significant correlation with Autism, ADHD, and Tourette syndrome, with over 50% of individuals exhibiting joint hypermobility.
These conditions highlight the complexity of managing hEDS and HSD, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to care.
Want to know more?
Q5. How do I assist patients to get a diagnosis of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)?
- General Practitioners and Specialists trained in the areas of connective tissue disorders, HSD and EDS can diagnose these conditions – How to Diagnose Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome 2017 EDS International Classification – The Ehlers Danlos Society
- Clinical Evaluation: A specialist will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, which may include: a. Physical Examination: Checking for common signs of EDS, such as hypermobile joints (using the Beighton score), skin hyperextensibility, and other related features. b. Medical and Family History: Reviewing your patients’ medical and family history to identify patterns or symptoms that align with CTD’s, EDS or related hereditary disorders.
- Specialist Referral: Referral to other EDS and CTD trained Specialists to manage the comorbidities is essential in the holistic management of EDS, HSD patients
- Genetic Testing: For rare types of EDS, or those with hypermobility and “Red-Flags” genetic testing is an essential way to an accurate CTD diagnosis. This involves taking a blood sample to look for mutations in specific genes associated with EDS. a. Other Genetic Conditions to be considered: i. The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) ii. Marfan Syndrome iii. Loeys-Dietz Syndrome iv. Coffin-Lowry Syndrome v. Stickler Syndrome vi. Nail Patella Syndrome vii. Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Managing HSD, EDS, or hEDS often requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach involving various HSD and EDS trained healthcare professionals. This can include physiotherapists, pain management specialists, and others as needed.
Affiliations & Memberships
