RX Physiotherapy

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(+61) 423 252 749

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.

BOOK your initial appointment today

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 Shellharbour, 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.

BOOK your initial appointment today

Or call us at (+61) 423 252 749

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 your strength and capacity through your increased 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 Hypermobility 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

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Dr. April Patterson graduated from Bond University with a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree and founded RX Physiotherapy in 2019 with a vision to provide exceptional, personalised care. As a physiotherapist living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), hypermobility, and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) issues, April brings a rare combination of personal insight and professional expertise to her practice. Her own experiences with these conditions fuel her passion for understanding and treating them, allowing her to empathise deeply with her patients and guide them with authenticity and compassion.

April has a huge passion for in EDS, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and TMJ dysfunction, while also treating all joints and musculoskeletal conditions. She personally conducts initial assessments to understand each patient’s story, goals, and challenges before referring them to her highly skilled team for ongoing care. Her holistic, evidence-based approach blends manual therapy, strength and conditioning, pain management, and education to help clients regain function, confidence, and independence.

As Managing Director, April maintains the highest standard of care through weekly team sessions to review progress, provide guidance, and support professional development. This ensures that every patient receives structured, personalised care, while allowing her to focus on leadership, strategy, and advancing the clinic’s mission.

Outside the clinic, April enjoys hitting the gym, cooking, and spending quality time with her partner and her two dachshunds. 

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Ms. Laura Flemming

Physiotherapist

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Laura is a senior physiotherapist with six years of experience across hospital, private practice, community, and sports settings. She began her career at Wollongong Hospital before moving to Sydney, where she expanded her skills in musculoskeletal rehab, neurological rehab, and community-based care. During this time she became a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach and worked with junior representative soccer teams in the St George region. Now back in the Illawarra, she’s excited to support her local community again.

Laura’s approach is grounded in understanding the individual—what they value, what they hope to achieve, and how their condition impacts their life. She focuses on meaningful outcomes through a blend of manual therapy, strength training, pain management, patient education, and personalised rehabilitation programs. Her experience spans acute and chronic injuries, post-operative rehab, strength and endurance training, falls prevention, and neurological conditions including stroke and brain injury.

She has a strong interest in working with people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), and she brings extensive experience supporting participants within the NDIS. She also specialises in treating TMJ/jaw dysfunction, helping clients reduce pain, improve mobility, and address the muscular and biomechanical factors contributing to their symptoms. Her calm, collaborative style helps clients feel understood, supported, and confident navigating long-term conditions.

Outside the clinic, you’ll find Laura hiking up mountains, writing music, playing soccer, or training for the occasional triathlon or running event.

Whether you’re managing pain, recovering from an injury, or navigating a complex condition like EDS, HSD, or TMJ dysfunction, Laura can help with all joints and musculoskeletal concerns, guiding you with structure, clarity, and genuine care.

Mr. Trent Cooksley

Physiotherapist

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Trent is a physiotherapist passionate about helping people move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what they love—whether that’s sport, training, or everyday life. He treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including shoulder, knee, lower back, neck, and ankle injuries, and works with clients of all ages and activity levels. His approach is hands-on, structured, and focused on long-term results—not just quick fixes.

Born and raised in Wollongong, Trent grew up immersed in sport—playing soccer for the Woonona Sharks, as well as tennis, golf, swimming, footy, cricket, and AFL. By his teenage years, he focused on golf, earning a place in the IAS Golf Program and later a scholarship to play college golf in Abilene, Texas, USA. Experiencing injuries during that time—and seeing how physiotherapy restored his performance—sparked his drive to help others recover and perform at their best.

Outside the clinic, you’ll find Trent on the golf course, in the surf, or relaxing with friends.

If you’re dealing with pain or injury—from your shoulder to your spine or knees—Trent can help you move with confidence again.

 

 

 

Ms. Emily Yorkston

Physiotherapist

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Emily is a senior physiotherapist with extensive experience across musculoskeletal, neurological, orthopaedic, and paediatric physiotherapy. She has worked in diverse settings, including rural outreach programs and allied health leadership roles, which have shaped her collaborative, client-focused approach.

Emily is a very empathetic physiotherapist with lived experience of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), giving her a unique perspective and deep understanding of the challenges of living with complex, chronic conditions. She has a particular passion for hypermobility (HSD, EDS, etc.), TMJ/jaw dysfunction, and sports rehabilitation, and she is skilled in treating all joints and musculoskeletal concerns.

She is dedicated to helping clients achieve meaningful, long-term outcomes. Emily guides them through personalised strength and conditioning programs, manual therapy, and targeted rehabilitation strategies that restore function, confidence, and independence. Her structured, evidence-based approach ensures every client receives care tailored to their goals, lifestyle, and needs.

Outside the clinic, Emily enjoys travelling, exploring new experiences, and bringing fresh energy and perspective back to her work. She combines her professional expertise with a warm, empathetic, and motivating style, helping clients feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout their recovery journey.

If you’re experiencing pain, recovering from an injury, or managing a complex condition like EDS, HSD, TMJ dysfunction, or any musculoskeletal issue, Emily can help. Book an appointment today to get personalised care for all joints and musculoskeletal conditions and take the first step toward restoring your function, confidence, and quality of life.

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Mr Reece Nikitaras

Physiotherapist

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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.