View of Banff National Park - trees and mountains

Better Mobility Lab

**Updated Referral Information**

Unfortunately due to wait times exceeding 3 years and lack of physician and allied health personnel support, we are no longer accepting referrals for Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders or hypermobile subtype Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. We know this is very disappointing for patients and physicians, but more support in the clinic is necessary at this time. This will hopefully be temporary, until we are able to establish a multidisciplinary care team in this clinic. This decision was not made lightly. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

What is the Connective Tissue Disorders Rehabilitation Clinic?

The Connective Tissue Disorders Rehabilitation Clinic at Foothills Medical Centre was developed to focus on assessment and management of the musculoskeletal consequences of conditions such as the Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, Marfan Syndrome, Loewy-Dietz Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Stickler Syndrome, and familial thoracic aneurysm and dissection syndromes, amongst others. Clinical trainees and researchers are active parts of this clinic to advance clinical awareness and the care of our patients.

The Grand Visions are:

  • to develop a multidisciplinary patient-engaged centre for the assessment and management of Connective Tissue Disorders in Southern Alberta,
  • to build the research evidence for rehabilitating conditions that cause loose large and small joints, and
  • to educate clinicians from a variety of disciplines about the nuances of caring for patients with a variety of Connective Tissue Disorders

In order to do this, we need your support. We are looking for donors to build a sustainable clinic. Please contact us if you are able to help, or check out our funding page for information on how to make a donation.

Resources on Inherited Connective Tissue Disorders

Dr. Manocha is a physiatrist (specialist doctor in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation). Dr. Manocha’s role is to assist in the physical rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal (bone and joint) consequences of connective tissue disorders, particularly with regards to exercises, bracing, adaptive equipment, preparing for and recovering from surgery, preparing for pregnancy and the postpartum period, adapting hobbies/work/family life, and educating your other healthcare providers.

For more information on what a physiatrist is, please click here.

The following educational websites are provided for general guidance. We do not take responsible for site content. Site content does not constitute medical advice. Please speak to your own healthcare providers for further guidance.