Physiotherapy for Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - Wollongong

Join our personalised, one-on-one sessions to effectively manage Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and improve your joint function.

What is Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are connective tissue disorders that can lead to joint instability, chronic pain, and other complications. At RX Physiotherapy in Wollongong, we offer personalised rehabilitation programmes designed to manage these conditions, helping you achieve better joint stability and reduce pain. Our goal is to support you in regaining mobility and improving your quality of life.

Why Choose Our Physiotherapy Services in the Shellharbour Region?

We have both lived experience and extensive knowledge in personalised care for Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Our experienced team in Shellharbour creates tailored treatment plans to address your unique needs, focusing on improving strength, stability, and overall function.

Our physiotherapists stay up-to-date with the latest research, ensuring you receive the most effective care. As a trusted local clinic, we’re dedicated to helping you manage symptoms and enhance your quality of life through proven physiotherapy techniques.

Our Personalised Rehabilitation Programme

Our one-on-one rehabilitation programme, designed specifically for individuals with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Led by experienced physiotherapists, our programme focuses on building strength, improving flexibility, and managing chronic pain through a tailored approach. Located in Wollongong, our clinic provides a safe and supportive environment where you can focus on your recovery with expert guidance.

Duration

This rehabilitation programme is customised to your individual needs, with the duration varying based on your progress. Typically, sessions are held twice a week over an 8-week period, but this can be adjusted to suit your specific condition and goals.

Location

Sessions are conducted at RX Physiotherapy, located at 1/35 Shellharbour Road, Lake Illawarra, NSW 2528. Our modern facility is fully equipped to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation experience.

Frequency

You’ll attend sessions twice a week, each lasting one hour, allowing for consistent progress while providing sufficient recovery time between sessions.

Our Approach to Rehabilitation

At RX Physiotherapy, we believe in a personalised approach to rehabilitation. Here’s how our programme works:

We start with a thorough initial consultation to understand your specific needs and goals. This helps us design a tailored plan to manage your Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome effectively.

Your progress is closely monitored throughout the programme, with regular assessments to ensure that the approach remains effective and adaptive to your needs.

Based on your assessment, we create a customised exercise plan that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and mobility. Each session is tailored to address your unique challenges and goals.

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What to Expect in a One-on-One Hypermobility Rehabilitation Session

Each personalised rehab session is designed to maximise your recovery:

Warm-Up/Preparation

We begin with gentle exercises to prepare your body for the main workout, targeting areas most affected by hypermobility.

Main Exercise Routine

The core of the session includes exercises specifically designed to enhance joint stability, improve muscle strength, and increase flexibility.

Cool-down and Stretching

We finish with a cool-down routine to ensure proper muscle recovery and reduce stiffness.

Accessory Exercises

Additional exercises are included to Additional exercises are included to target specific areas and provide a comprehensive approach to your rehabilitation.

Note: The above is a general program format. It can and most likely will look very different for each person.

Your Recovery Goals

Improved Joint Stability: Strengthen the muscles around your joints to reduce the risk of dislocations and other injuries.

Enhanced Mobility: Increase flexibility and range of motion to improve your daily functioning.

Chronic Pain Management: Implement techniques to reduce pain and discomfort associated with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Increased Strength: Build overall muscle strength to support your joints and improve physical health.

Expected Outcomes

Better Quality of Life: Regain confidence in your body’s abilities, leading to a more active and fulfilling life.

Reduced Pain: Experience a noticeable decrease in pain levels as a result of targeted pain management strategies.

Enhanced Daily Functionality: Improved mobility and strength that make everyday activities smoother and more comfortable.

Lower Risk of Future Injuries: Stronger muscles around the joints contribute to greater stability and a reduced likelihood of future injuries.

Listen to Our TMJ Rehabilitation Podcast

Learn more about Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with our podcast.

Join physiotherapists April Patterson and Brendan Casey as they share practical tips, recovery strategies, and the latest developments in hypermobility rehabilitation. With personal experience and professional expertise, April offers a unique perspective on managing these conditions. Tune in to stay informed and empowered on your journey to better health.

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Dr. April Patterson

Physiotherapist

Dr. April Patterson graduated from Bond University with a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree. April established RX Physiotherapy in 2019, where she has been dedicated to providing top-notch care to her patients.

Dr. April Patterson has a unique perspective on physiotherapy as she has personally experienced conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Her own struggles with these conditions have fueled her passion for understanding and treating them, allowing her to empathize with her patients on a deeper level. Dr. April Patterson is dedicated to tailoring treatments to meet the unique needs of each individual under her care.

With a commitment to ongoing professional development, Dr. April Patterson stays abreast of the latest advancements in physiotherapy, ensuring that her patients receive the most effective and evidence-based treatments available. Her holistic approach to patient care encompasses not only physical rehabilitation but also focuses on empowering individuals to manage and prevent further issues.

In her spare time you can find her hitting the gym, cooking or spending time with her two dachshund children and partner.

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Mr Reece Nikitaras

Physiotherapist

Reece Nikitaras is deeply passionate about optimising human movement and enhancing quality of life through targeted rehabilitation and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. His journey into physiotherapy was driven by a genuine desire to help individuals overcome physical barriers and reach their full potential.

As an avid runner, Reece brings both personal insight and clinical expertise to the treatment of running-related injuries. He is particularly dedicated to helping runners recover from injury, prevent future setbacks, and elevate their performance. Reece has developed a comprehensive running assessment protocol designed to identify biomechanical inefficiencies and areas of weakness, allowing for tailored interventions that support long-term improvement and injury prevention.

Reece also holds a strong clinical interest in knee rehabilitation, with an in-depth understanding of knee biomechanics and the complex nature of knee injuries. He implements highly specialised, results-driven treatment plans to restore function and accelerate recovery in clients dealing with knee concerns.

Always eager to stay at the forefront of his field, Reece consistently seeks out new knowledge and incorporates the latest advancements in physiotherapy research into his practice. His commitment to continuous learning ensures he delivers the highest standard of care to every patient.

Outside of the clinic, Reece enjoys travelling, spending time at the beach, and playing a round of golf.

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Ms. Laura Flemming

Physiotherapist

Laura has been a dedicated physiotherapist for over five years, beginning her career at Wollongong Hospital before moving to Sydney, where she broadened her skills in a private practice and community setting. In this time she obtained her certification as a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning coach. Additionally, she supported junior representative soccer teams in the St George area. Now based in the Illawarra, she is looking forward to supporting new patients.

Laura’s approach centers on enhancing her patients’ quality of life through understanding their goals and intentions and providing effective pain management, manual therapy, patient education, strength training, and personalised exercise programs. Her experience includes managing acute and chronic injuries, strength and endurance training, post-operative rehabilitation, falls prevention, and neurological rehabilitation for conditions including stroke and brain injury. She implements evidence-based treatments and utilises a holistic approach aimed at empowering individuals with injury management and prevention.

In her free time, Laura can be found hiking up mountains, writing music, playing soccer, or training for the occasional triathlon or running event.

Ms. Paige Fittler

Physiotherapist

Paige graduated from the University of Canberra. She is committed to providing specialised care that supports individuals in maintaining strength, mobility, and overall health, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve their personal health goals. Paige has a special interest in Jaw/ TMJ pain and hypermobility/ connective tissue conditions, such as EDS. Having lived experience, Paige understands the struggles of her patients first hand.

Paige is known for building a strong rapport with patients and has experience in both private and public sectors including musculoskeletal, neurological and rehab settings. 

Paige is committed to evidence-based practice, ensuring her patients receive the most optimal and up to date care to reach their full potential. Paige is dedicated in developing tailored treatment plans that are specific to each patient’s unique needs and goals through individualised rehabilitation and physiotherapy techniques. 

Outside of her work, Paige enjoys spending time at the beach, going for a run, or winding down with a movie and a bowl of popcorn.