Upcoming Events
Disclaimer: Connective Strength will not be recording or live-streaming any local presentations. However, notes and handouts from the meetings will be made available for distribution.
Arlington Support Meeting
Join us for an afternoon of support, conversation, and laughter!
Kirkland Support Meeting
Join us for an afternoon of conversation, support, and laughter.
Please note we are in a different room this month. We will be on the second floor of the Tan Building in room 250.
Arlington Support Meeting
Join us for an afternoon of conversation, laughter, and support!
CS-HEDS Certification Course
Course 4: Lumbar Spine
Kirkland, Washington
More Details: https://www.connectivestrength.org/pt-ceu-classes
CS-HEDS Certification Course
Course 3: Thorax (Thoracic Spine, Ribs, Breathing Mechanics)
Kirkland, Washington
More Details: https://www.connectivestrength.org/pt-ceu-classes
City of Bothell 4th of July Parade
Join us in walking or rolling in the City of Bothell’s 4th of July Parade. If you are interested in joining us, please email questions@connectivestrength.org.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Parade Start Time: 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Starting Point: 104th Ave NE & Main Street
Ending Point: NE 188th St. (Near Pop Keeney Stadium)
Parade Route: Main Street through Bothell Way NE
Park in the West parking garage at UW Bothell. We must be lined up at 11:15am. We will be in the Yellow staging area.
CS-HEDS Certification Course
Course 4: Lumbar Spine
Reston, Virginia
More Details: https://www.connectivestrength.org/pt-ceu-classes
CS-HEDS Certification Course
Course 1: Craniovertebral Junction & Cervical Spin
Reston, Virginia
More details: https://www.connectivestrength.org/pt-ceu-classes
Board Games and Support
Join us for board games and support!
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
When “Normal” Doesn’t Feel Normal: Menopause in Hypermobile Bodies
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
Have you been told your symptoms are “normal,” but they don’t feel normal? In this session, Vanessa Weiland, ARNP, HT, MSCP, founder of Phases Clinic, will explain perimenopause and menopause with hypermobility in mind. We’ll explore why bendy bodies often experience bigger shifts in pain, fatigue, and autonomic symptoms — and what you can do about it. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what’s happening physiologically and practical, evidence-based strategies to support stability in midlife.
Self-Taping Class by Bret Swigard, PT
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
Join us for a self-taping class led by Bret Swigard, PT from Innova pHysical Therapy
Dr. Balaji Sridhar
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
Please join us for a presentation on regenerative medicine by Dr. Balaji Sridhar from Interventional Orthopedics of Washington.
Dysautonomia/POTS - Dr. Erik Armitano
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
Please join us for a presentation on Dysautonomia/POTS by Dr. Erik Armitano.
Pelvic Floor Health
Pelvic Health with Sarah Joy
Bring your pelvic health questions! What's normal for restroom frequency? How can I strengthen my core? How can I poop easier?
Dr. Sarah Joy White, a pelvic physical therapist, will answer your questions and discuss pelvic health with EDS. If you'd like to ask questions anonymously, please download the Slido app and use code #1602417
Understanding the Genetics of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
Join Emily Hasser for an insightful class exploring the complex genetics behind Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). This session will provide a clear overview of the different types of EDS and their associated genes, the role of genetics in diagnosis, and the latest emerging research on hEDS.
Emily will also guide participants through how to access reputable genetic testing, interpret possible testing results, and understand ethical considerations such as eugenics and protections against genetic discrimination. The class will conclude with a brief, evidence-based overview of MTHFR and hereditary alpha tryptasemia (HαT)—what we do and don’t yet know.
Whether you’re a patient, provider, or caregiver, this session will equip you with a deeper understanding of how genetics shapes the EDS journey—and what that means for the future of care and research.
Disability Friendly Self-Defense Class
Please join us for a self - defense class by Dianna Hume and Dee Brown.
Connective Strength Holiday Party
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
Join us for an evening of Christmas crafts, cookies, and hot chocolate as we celebrate the season together. This is a family-friendly event, so please feel free to bring your kids, partners, and loved ones.
Sexual Health With EDS
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
Sexual health with EDS: Learn about ways to connect with your body, connect with a partner, and things to consider with hypermobility. You're welcome to just listen, ask questions, or discuss as you're comfortable. Taught by a pelvic physical therapist, Sarah Joy White.
Disability Empowerment Fashion Show
Join us on Friday, November 7th, at 6 PM for an unforgettable evening celebrating resilience, style, and community. This formal event features disabled models, adaptive fashion, and both a live and silent auction—all benefiting Connective Strength’s programs, including the groundbreaking Graceful Clinic. We’re so glad you’re here—reserve your spot and be part of this inspiring night!
The Gut Puzzle: GI Health in hEDS, MCAS, and Dysautonomia
Join Dr. Justin Brandler for an honest and insightful conversation about what we do know—and what we still don’t—when it comes to gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and Dysautonomia.
With so many patients facing chronic nausea, bloating, reflux, and digestive dysfunction—yet so few clear answers—this presentation will explore the latest understanding, common clinical challenges, and emerging research in the GI world.
Dr. Brandler will also share strategies on how to build a productive and empowering partnership with your GI provider, ask better questions, and advocate for your care with confidence.
Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) - Dr. Kandi Moller
Join us for a special presentation with Dr. Kandi Moller on Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD).
BVD can significantly impact quality of life—but it’s often misdiagnosed or missed entirely. Dr. Moller will explain what BVD is, how to recognize the signs, and what treatment options are available to help patients finally find relief. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or provider, this talk will offer essential insight into a condition that often hides in plain sight.
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
Free Braces and Support Meeting
Join us for a support meeting designed to bring our community together and offer practical help for daily life with chronic conditions. This month, we’re excited to partner with Cornerstone to give away free orthopedic braces to attendees — supporting joint stability, mobility, and comfort.
Managing Chronic Pain with an Interdisciplinary Approach Presented by the Structured Functional Restoration Program (SFRP) at Swedish
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
Join us for a powerful and practical session led by members of the interdisciplinary team at Swedish’s Structured Functional Restoration Program. This class is designed specifically for individuals navigating chronic pain, EDS, and dysautonomia.
Meet the Presenters: Paulomi Campbell, PhD, Cheyenne Dixon, OTD, Emma Mitsui, DPT
What You’ll Learn:
How interdisciplinary teams work together to support chronic pain recovery
Pain neuroscience made relevant to EDS and dysautonomia
Evidence-based strategies to manage pain, stress, fatigue, and movement limitations
Tools for integrating pain management into your everyday life
Techniques grounded in acceptance, values-based living, and functional improvement
Graceful Advocacy: Building Strong Patient-Provider Partnerships
Join Zoë Jorna-Jackson and Dr. Matthew Oseto for a dynamic, hope-filled conversation about what it means to advocate for yourself in healthcare without burning bridges.
Together, they’ll walk through real-world strategies from the book Graceful Journey, showing how patients and providers can work with each other—even in complex or frustrating systems. This isn’t just theory—it’s lived experience and clinical insight, side-by-side.
✔️ Learn how to set the tone for better appointments
✔️ Practice asking hard questions with curiosity
✔️ Explore what true collaboration looks like
✔️ Walk away with a personalized appointment prep worksheet you can use and share with your provider
Let’s rewrite the patient-provider relationship—together.
You Might Be Pooping Wrong!
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
You might be pooping wrong: If you strain, leak, or have pain with bowel movements, there are ways to improve the experience. Join us to learn from a pelvic physical therapist, SarahJoy White, about this important topic. Everybody poops!
Self-Release Techniques with Bret Swigard, PT
Please note that the doors to the Tan building are locked on the weekends. Use the Central entrance, go to the first floor, and take the tunnel across to the Tan building.
Join us for a hands-on session focused on effective self-release techniques to help relieve tight, overactive muscles. Bret will guide us through gentle, practical methods tailored for hypermobility and chronic pain.
Summer Tips and Tricks
This month’s support meeting is all about sharing what actually works for summer with chronic illness—and we’re doing it Show & Tell style!
Virtual Caregiver Support Meeting
Join us for a virtual caregiver support meeting!
https://meet.google.com/wtv-mqti-iqh
Or dial: (US) +1 516-268-6765 PIN: 729 408 951#