EDS & HSD in Circus Arts: Optimizing Movement & Building Joint Strength and Awareness.

Are you a circus artist, coach, or healthcare professional working with individuals who have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)? This 3-hour workshop at the National Centre for Circus Arts (NCCA) in Central London is designed specifically to help you understand the impact of hypermobility on circus performers and how to manage it to optimize performance, reduce injury risk, and enhance longevity in the profession.

Hypermobility can present unique challenges in circus arts, where extreme flexibility is both a necessity and a potential risk factor for injury. EDS/HSD can increase the likelihood of dislocations, sprains, and chronic pain. By attending this workshop, you will not only gain knowledge but also practical solutions to help you or your athletes perform safely and effectively over the long term.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to optimize your training, support your career in circus arts, and manage hypermobility safely.

Date

Saturday 23rd November 2024

10.30am – 1:30pm

Cost

£38

£33 for Open Training Members (concession rate)

Maximum number of participants

15

Who is it for

• Circus Performers: Aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, and other circus artists who want to learn how to manage hypermobility-related issues in their training and performances.
• Coaches & Trainers: Those working with circus performers and looking to develop a deeper understanding of how to support hypermobile athletes.
• Healthcare Professionals: Physios, osteopaths, and movement specialists who wish to expand their knowledge on EDS/HSD within the unique context of circus arts.

Minimum Requirement: Have some sort of movement experience; be curious and enthusiastic to learn. Come and ask questions, and engage in practical exercises. Please inform us if you have any pre-existing conditions/injuries so we can tailor the workshop to your needs.

Attire and equipment: Wear comfortable, flexible clothing that allows freedom of movement. Participants are welcome to bring their own therabands and massage balls.

In this workshop, we will dive deep into:

• Understanding EDS & HSD: Explore the characteristics of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and how they uniquely affect circus artists.
• Injury Prevention: Learn targeted exercises and modifications to prevent injuries in hypermobile bodies, focusing on the most vulnerable areas for circus artists, such as the shoulders, spine, and hips.
• Strength & Stability: Discover how to build functional strength and stability, crucial for those with hypermobility, without sacrificing the flexibility required for circus performance.
• Optimizing Performance: Understand how hypermobility can be an asset in circus arts and learn strategies to harness it safely for enhanced performance.
• Movement Screening & Assessment: Develop skills to assess movement patterns, joint stability, and proprioception, tailored to the needs of hypermobile circus performers.

By the end of the workshop, participants will walk away with:

• Practical Techniques: Hands-on exercises, stabilization techniques, and personalized approaches for circus-specific hypermobility management.
• Research-Based Insights: Gain access to the latest research on managing hypermobility, including strategies highlighted in The Management of Hypermobility (Orthopaedic Section of the American —-Physical Therapy Association, 2017) Read the full article here.
• Injury Mitigation Strategies: Understand how to minimize injury risk while maintaining peak performance.
• Tailored Exercise Plans: Receive a comprehensive toolkit of exercises tailored to the needs of hypermobile circus artists.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of performers and professionals who share your interest in enhancing the health and performance of circus artists with EDS/HSD.