Charlotte’s story
Charlotte's Story - Patient with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes
Charlotte is one of many EDS patients to benefit from dynamic movement orthoses® and has recently started sharing her journey on Instagram, follow @dazzling_zebra, in the hope she can help others facing similar battles.
“I am 17 years old and I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. My physio suggested wearing orthotics to provide support. I wear DMO® Custom Socks, Leggings, Vest and right Glove almost everyday.
This compression clothing has allowed me to do so much more with my life. Not only has it provided support, it has helped reduce my fatigue and improved my POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).”
“Combining my orthotics with physio has allowed me to start to run, which is something I never thought I’d get to do again. Thank you DM Orthotics. You have helped to give me a better life.”
Charlotte was introduced to DM Orthotics products by Physiocure. Physiocure is a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) clinic based in Leeds, UK; founded by Anna Higo and Louise Grant in 2000. The team consists of Physiotherapists, Massage therapists, Pilates practitioners, a Podiatrist, a Strength and conditioning coach and a Psychotherapist. This MDT approach has proved invaluable in the treatment of EDS and HSD patients.
Anna, who specialises in shoulders and Louise, in hips, began the specialist work with the EDS/HSD community after recognising a link in their complex patients. They also receive complex pre and post op patients from leading orthopaedic surgeons who often want this MDT approach to fully assess if the patient is appropriate for surgery, and what the outcomes may present. The team believes that their way of working in the Orthopaedic world could be of huge benefit to the EDS community and give a better understanding of this condition to surgeons who may be considering operating.
At the annual EDS conference in Ghent in 2018, Anna and Louise met DMO orthotics. This was a turning point in the management of their EDS/HSD clients. They already knew kinesiology tape helped and many patients described liking the feeling of wearing leggings or vests so the concept of Dynamic Movement Orthoses® appealed. After referring some initial patients and hearing positive feedback, a DM Orthotics clinic was set up out of Physiocure so that their patients could benefit from the Orthotist and Physio being in direct contact. These clinics have been invaluable in caring for their EDS patients.