Dr April Patterson

I became a physiotherapist because I have always been drawn to understanding the body deeply — not just how it moves, but why pain, injury and dysfunction happen in the first place.

My own experience with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hypermobility and TMJ issues gave me a very personal understanding of what it feels like to live in a body that does not always respond in a simple or predictable way.

That experience became a major driver behind my work. I wanted to create a clinic where people felt properly listened to, where complex presentations were taken seriously, and where treatment was built around the person rather than a generic protocol.

A lot of people see me because they feel like their condition has not been fully understood.

They may have EDS, hypermobility, jaw pain, recurring injuries, persistent pain, or symptoms that keep moving from one area of the body to another. Many have already tried treatment elsewhere but still do not have a clear explanation or plan.

My role is to understand the full picture, identify what is contributing to the problem, and create a clear direction for care.

That may involve education, hands-on treatment, strength and conditioning, movement retraining, pain management strategies, or a longer-term rehabilitation plan.

The goal is not just to reduce symptoms. The goal is to help people understand their body, rebuild confidence, and know what steps to take next.

It gives me a deeper understanding of how layered these conditions can be.

Hypermobility and EDS are not just about being flexible. For many people, they can affect pain, fatigue, joint control, confidence, exercise tolerance, recovery, and how safe they feel in their own body.

Because I live with these conditions myself, I understand why generic advice often falls short.

My approach is to meet the person where they are, explain what is happening clearly, and build a plan that respects both their goals and their capacity.

My approach is based on clarity, control, strength and long-term function.

For people with EDS or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, treatment may include:

• Education about hypermobility and symptom patterns
• Strength and conditioning
• Proprioception and body awareness training
• Joint control work
• Load management
• Pacing strategies
• Movement retraining
• Pain management strategies
• Support with flare-ups
• Long-term planning for function and independence

The aim is to help patients feel more stable, capable and confident in their body.

TMJ dysfunction can be complex because the jaw does not work in isolation.

Jaw pain, clicking, locking, headaches, neck pain, clenching and facial tension can all be connected to how the jaw, neck, nervous system and surrounding muscles are functioning.

My approach is to assess the jaw properly, understand the person’s symptoms, and identify the factors that may be contributing.

Treatment may include education, manual therapy, jaw exercises, neck treatment, movement retraining, relaxation strategies, and collaboration with dentists or other health professionals where appropriate.

April personally conducts many initial assessments to understand the patient’s story, goals, challenges and clinical presentation.

After the initial assessment, April may refer the patient to the most appropriate physiotherapist within the RX Physiotherapy team for ongoing care.

This allows patients to receive structured treatment from the team while still benefiting from April’s clinical direction, leadership and oversight where required.

As Managing Director, April leads the clinical direction and standards at RX Physiotherapy.

She runs weekly team sessions where the physiotherapy team reviews patient progress, discusses complex cases, receives guidance, and continues professional development.

This helps ensure patients receive structured, personalised care across the clinic, not just isolated treatment sessions.

April’s role now includes clinical leadership, mentoring, strategy, and advancing the broader mission of RX Physiotherapy.

Outside the clinic, I enjoy training in the gym, cooking, and spending quality time with my partner, our two dachshunds and our two cats.

Dr April Patterson is a physiotherapist, founder and Managing Director of RX Physiotherapy in Shellharbour. She holds a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Bond University and a Bachelor of Exercise Science from the University of Wollongong.

April treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and has a strong clinical focus in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, TMJ dysfunction, jaw pain, persistent pain and complex musculoskeletal presentations.

Yes. April works with people who have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hypermobility-related concerns. Her approach focuses on understanding the individual’s presentation, improving strength and control, supporting body awareness, and creating a long-term management plan.

Yes. April works with patients who have Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and generalised joint hypermobility. Treatment may involve education, strength training, proprioception, joint control, pacing and movement retraining.

Yes. April has a clinical focus in TMJ dysfunction and jaw-related pain. She works with patients experiencing jaw pain, clicking, locking, headaches, neck pain and jaw movement issues.

Dr April Patterson works at RX Physiotherapy in Shellharbour, supporting patients across Shellharbour, the Illawarra and surrounding areas.

April will take a detailed history, assess the relevant areas, explain what may be contributing to the issue, and create a clear treatment direction. She may then refer the patient to the most appropriate member of the RX Physiotherapy team for ongoing care.

April combines physiotherapy training, exercise science education, clinical experience and lived experience with EDS, hypermobility and TMJ issues. This gives her a deeper understanding of complex presentations and allows her to provide structured, personalised care.