Join Dr. Emma Faulkner to learn more about hypermobility, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, and hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome and how these conditions uniquely affect circus performers.
Hypermobility is common within circus arts, where extreme ranges of motion are both an asset and a potential source of injury. This presentation explores the spectrum of hypermobility, including generalized hypermobility, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), and hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) with a focus on how these conditions uniquely affect circus performers. We will review key associated comorbidities such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), highlighting their impact on performance capacity, training tolerance, fatigue, and recovery.
Can’t make it live? ** RECORDING AVAILABLE ** for one week afterwards
Through a performing-arts–specific lens, the session will outline evidence-informed physical therapy strategies for strengthening progressions tailored to hypermobile bodies. We will also discuss lifestyle and self-management strategies—including pacing, hydration and salt protocols, nutrition considerations, sleep optimization, and environmental management for MCAS triggers that support long-term health and sustainable performance for hypermobile circus artists.
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of hypermobility-related conditions and practical tools to enhance resilience, safety, and performance within the circus environment.
This talk will address the following:
- What is hypermobility?
- Is hypermobility always bad?
- What is POTS?
- What are some strategies for managing hypermobilty, POTS and/or MCAS for a circus artist?
More about Dr. Faulkner:
Dr. Emma Faulkner graduated in 2015 from Emory University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and went on to complete her Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy at Mercer University in 2017. In 2018, she became a board certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS).
Emma is the owner of TriHealth Physical Therapy and is a founding partner in Atlanta Dance Medicine. She is a lead physical therapist for multiple professional ballet and modern dance companies in the Atlanta Metro. Emma is also an adjunct faculty member in Emory University’s Department of Theater and Dance where she teaches an Experiential Anatomy. She participates actively in dance medicine research and presents frequently at local, national, and international conferences. Her areas of research includes conditioning and cross training programming for dancers, weightlifting for dancers, POTS in dancers, and screening tools for predicting injury risk across different genres of dance.
Access her online!
IG: @atlantadancemedicine & @trihealthpt