This interdisciplinary course addresses the unique and often overlooked pelvic and sexual health challenges faced by individuals with connective tissue disorders, especially Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS), and overlapping conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Drawing on the combined expertise of a physician specializing in connective tissue disorders (Dr. Linda Bluestein) and a pelvic health physical therapist (Dr. Brooke Winder), the course provides participants with a holistic framework for understanding how these conditions impact pelvic and sexual function, intimacy, and overall well-being.

Topics will span physiology, pain, fatigue, dysautonomia, allergic-type responses, musculoskeletal considerations, and psychosocial dimensions. The emphasis will be on patient-centered, evidence-informed, and multidisciplinary strategies to support pelvic and sexual health and relational intimacy in this medically complex population.

This class will aim to help participants: 

• Understand and describe of the pathophysiology of Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), HSD (Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
• Recognize the presentations of hEDS, HSD, MCAS and POTS as well as their associated pelvic and sexual health challenges to improve screening and referral for comprehensive management.
• Evaluate the psychological and relational dimensions of sexual and pelvic health in patients with chronic, multisystem illnesses, and how these factors intersect with physical symptoms.
• Identify the evidence-based multidisciplinary approaches to care for patients with hEDS, HSD, MCAS, and POTS and how these approaches integrate with interventions to address pelvic and sexual health.
• Tailor physical therapy interventions and provision of resources to the specific needs of people with hypermobility to optimize their pelvic and sexual health.

Why Attend This Course?

Ehlers Danlos Syndromes (EDS), Postural orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) are often poorly understood and under-recognized. Pelvic and sexual dysfunction are more common in patients with EDS, POTS, and MCAS--yet these issues are rarely addressed, despite how central they are to quality of life. This course equips clinicians with knowledge and tools to break the silence, provide meaningful support, and help patients reclaim intimacy and confidence in their most personal relationships.

About your instructors:

Dr. Brooke Winder is a Southern California-based physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor and orthopedic care for performing artists, particularly dancers and circus artists. She is an Associate Professor and Dance Science Coordinator at California State University Long Beach and treats patients through her practice, Renew Motion Physical Therapy Inc. A Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist, Dr. Winder is also a BASI-Certified Pilates Instructor and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Her research has been published in leading journals, and she teaches continuing education courses on pelvic health in artistic athletes. She has contributed pelvic floor focused chapters to books on dance medicine and women’s health and holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California.