2025 so far

It's been a busy 2025 so far, and i’m too lazy to do seperate posts.
I'm genuinely encouraged by the real progress we're starting to see in getting Connective Tissue Disorders (CTDs) the attention they deserve here in Australia.
The first Connective Tissue Disorders Network Australia (CTDNA) meeting in Parliament recently was a significant step. It was great to see doctors, researchers, advocates, MPs, and especially people living with CTDs, all in one room discussing how we can improve support and recognition.
On a personal note, it’s been fantastic to see my old Sydney Dance Company colleague Paul Mecurio, now leading the charge in Parliament for this very cause. (He returned to teach us his iconic role in Some Rooms 20 years ago!)


Earlier this year, I had the chance to speak at The Ehlers-Danlos Society Global Learning Conference in Brisbane, sharing insights with the international community.
I joined other international leaders at The Ehlers-Danlos Society's 2025 CORE Network of Excellence Annual Meeting to work on current best practices and future directions for patient care and research
It was also really valuable to connect with experts like Dr. Larry Afrin, Dr Tanya Dempsey to discuss Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a common and challenging issue for many with CTDs.
I'm continuing this work through my role on the Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee of CTDNA and as a member of HSD and EDS Australia (an Ehlers-Danlos Society CORE Network of Excellence).

The Spider

A handy tool for those with chronic illness developed by the EDS society - The Spider https://www.thespidertool.com/
It can be a good way way to conceptualise your symptoms and treatment priorities

Check the paper behind the spiderhttps://bit.ly/4hiNJST

EDS Society Conference Brisbane 2025

Looking forward to the EDS conference in Brisbane next week.
Will be great to meet and learn from the giants in the space, and privileged to be presenting with some of the best!

And as a personal treat, I get to meet some of my colleagues in the EDS Australia Core Network face to face for the first time!

https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/events/2025-global-learning-conference/

(oof. 4 years…)

(not) just an ankle sprain

Ankle sprains or 'going over an ankle' are a very common injury but are probably underestimated. There can be rarer and more serious injuries like a ‘high ankle’ sprain which we might talk about another time, but assuming a simple, lateral ankle sprain; once injured our brain and our ankle tend to be lacking in strength, proprioception (the ability know what position the ankle and the body is in space) and power (the ability to do something about it if we are in a precarious position).

So while the swelling and pain will usually settle without much issue, if these deficiencies aren't addressed during rehabilitation, we are at a higher risk of re-injury, or developing a syndrome called chronic ankle instability - where the ankle always feels unstable and often limits people in their physical activity and all the downstream effects that has on health.

Its worth a check in with a physio or a sports physician early on to ensure you're on the best path to recovery and peak performance, and particularly if it’s not getting better within 4-6 weeks.

Testing...Testing...

Arguably one of my finest roles as Bottom, in A Midsummer Nights Dream, NSW Ballet

Ok, I’ve tried blogs before, and to be honest, they haven’t gone swimmingly in the past, due to poor attention span on my part. But I’m going to try again.
I plan on it covering mostly sports medicine issues, but may veer off into other topics due to aformentioned short attention span. Will try and add to instagram too as that is what the cool kids are doing now. Happy if there are requests for topics!