It’s not just low tone – how we can understand and support our children with hypermobility

Hypermobility is a very common condition affecting children. In Australian children, the prevalence of generalised joint hypermobility was found to be 26.1% for females and 11.5% for males (Morris et al, 2017). Young children with ‘idiopathic low muscle tone’ commonly present for Physiotherapy intervention to manage fatigue, posture, gait and motor skill delays. 

It is important to examine beyond the label of low muscle tone when assessing these children, who may have HSD (Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder) or a connective tissue disorder which requires multidisciplinary management. The hypermobile child can present with a myriad of issues including: motor (DCD)/neuromusculoskeletal, pain, fatigue, weakness, psychological, dysautonomia, gastrointestinal, mast cell, and urogenital issues.

Our lecture aims to assist Physiotherapists in:

• Understanding the cause of low muscle tone
• Identifying the early signs of HSD
• Assessing children for HSD
• Practical Management of children with HSD
• Identifying pelvic health issues in the HSD population
• Understanding the overlapping conditions and symptomology

Presenters

Katie Cleary, APAM, is a Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist and the Founding Director of Ocean Kids – A Private allied health service supporting Victorian babies and children. Katie’s passion and understanding of hypermobility began when treating young dancers and athletes at Dance Medicine Australia in 2011. Over the past 11 years in both public and private sectors, Katie has developed and provided specialised Physiotherapy services and programs to support children and adolescents living with EDS & HSD. Katie has completed extensive professional development in hypermobility management, including the Paediatric ECHO program. Katie is a member of Paediatric working group with The International Consortium on Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. 

Clare Adams, APAM, is a senior physiotherapist with Queensland Health covering paediatric and adult specialist orthopaedic and outpatient clinics. Clare has a specific interest in HSD, and paediatric and adult pelvic health.

Host

Paediatric and Musculoskeletal National Groups

Date of Live Event

24/08/2022

CPD Hours

1.5 Hours

Please note: The content of this Lecture on Demand (LOD) was captured via a recording of a live lecture at the APA premises. Due to the nature of the event and the recording method, this LOD may not have captured some of the questions/comments from live audience. Your purchase of this module indicates your acceptance of this.