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Actify - Empowering You Through Movement

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Actify - Empowering You Through Movement

Helping Individuals with Joint Hypermobility & Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes to Take Control of Their Lives Dr. Marcia C.

Perretto, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced training in orthopedic manual therapy, movement sciences, Yoga Therapy, and Redcord®. She specializes in treating patients and working with clients that present with joint hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes as well as with all those who present with inherited and acquired connective tissue disorders. She has a special focus to the studies of human movement sciences as well as the neurosciences of pain and its impact on peoples lives, and has developed a special approach to address the neuromyofascial pain syndromes with the use of scientific proven processes of brain training. Her goal is to help those with joint hypermobility to take control of their lives by strengthening their bodies and learning how to live s a healthier and more fulfilled life. A one-time semi-professional figure skater who had to undergo three hip surgeries due to multiple hip subluxations and joint instability, and has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome herself, knows first hand the pain of hypermobile joints, and all other systemic symptoms brought about by hEDS and the challenge of full rehabilitation when experiencing such symptoms. Dr. Perretto is an active researcher in Ehlers Danlos Syndromes and joint hypermobility disorders in partnership with several medical professionals in the areas of movement science and hypermobility syndromes. She has served as a clinical instructor for Nova Southeastern University and Florida International University for the Entry Level Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She is a book author, educator and recognized speaker both nationally and internationally in the areas of orthopedics, neurosciences, Ehlers-Danilo’s Syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy at a recognized catholic university in south Brazil, Dr. Perretto completed her transition to Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Perretto continuously develops her knowledge and training in the movement sciences, neuroscience of pain and hypermobility syndromes. She completed her Orthopedic Manual Therapy Certification at the Ola Grimsby Institute in California and a Health Coach Training program with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, where she learned more than 100 dietary theories and a holistic approach to wellness. Dr. Perretto is certified as a yoga therapy instructor (YTT200) and holds several certifications in Neurac Redcord® and Redcord® Active. Redcord® Is a unique suspension training process, born in Norway, that offers a specialized skill set in kinetic-chain assessments and corrective exercise programs proven to be extremely efficient in the treatment of joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal and neurological issues.

11/20/2025

Low grip strength is extremely common in people with hypermobility and EDS and it impacts more daily tasks than most realize.
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Because the ligaments are lax, the muscles have to stabilize every small joint in the hand before they can even produce force. That means early fatigue, reduced endurance, inconsistent grip, and higher risk of pain or dropping items.
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PT strategies focus on slow progression, stabilization, proprioception, and functional retraining — not forcing heavy squeezing or gripping that can worsen symptoms.

11/19/2025

If you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or generalized hypermobility, you may have noticed that traditional ab exercises don’t feel quite right—or even make your symptoms worse.

Here’s why:
Hypermobility affects the entire connective tissue system, including the fascia, ligaments, and stabilizing structures of the core. That means your body is working overtime to compensate for the lack of passive support.

Instead of sit-ups and planks, we need to rethink what “core strength” actually means. Deep core control, proprioceptive training, and nervous system-friendly movement patterns are key.

This post breaks down what’s really going on with the hypermobile core and how to approach it differently in rehab or training.

Core strength isn’t just about muscles—it's about timing, coordination, and stability.

Have you struggled with core exercises in PT or workouts?

11/14/2025

Uncontrolled limb movements like clonus or spasms can be scary, but they often have an explanation. In EDS, neurological irritability can develop from instability or tethering that overstimulates the spinal cord. PT can help calm that loop by improving joint stability and retraining the nervous system.

Disclaimer

This post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical care.
If you experience uncontrolled limb movements, consult with a neurologist or physical therapist experienced in EDS and spinal instability.

11/13/2025

For decades, hypermobility was brushed off as “just flexibility.” Today, research shows that hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and HSD can impact every major system — from the heart and gut to the nervous system. It’s not benign; it’s misunderstood.

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

11/12/2025

EDS skin is unique, what works for most people may not work for us. Waxing and laser hair removal can be done in some cases, but skin fragility, healing issues, and pain sensitivity mean extra precautions are essential. Always patch test, communicate with your provider, and put skin safety first. 💜🦓

11/11/2025

With POTS, exercise isn’t about intensity, it’s about intention.
Understanding why you need to modify movement can change everything.
When you meet your body where it’s at, reclined, slow, supported, you give it the chance to rebuild the foundation it needs to stand strong again.

Disclaimer:
Always consult with a licensed physical therapist or healthcare professional familiar with POTS before beginning or modifying an exercise program.

11/07/2025

The medical system is often built to recognize what it can measure, but chronic pain, dysautonomia, and instability don’t always show up on imaging. For those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, this creates a dangerous divide between “what’s seen” and “what’s felt.”

Physical therapy can be transformative, but only when clinicians acknowledge the invisible injuries too.

11/06/2025

As holiday drinks make their return, it’s the perfect time to rethink what’s in your cup. High-sugar syrups, artificial sweeteners, and dairy additives can all contribute to systemic inflammation, which may worsen pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and other chronic conditions. Choosing anti-inflammatory swaps, such as pure stevia instead of artificial sweeteners, cinnamon for natural flavoring, or almond milk instead of dairy, can support better gut health, reduce inflammation, and promote smoother, more stable mornings. Small changes can make a big impact on how you feel.

11/05/2025

Hypermobility exists on a wide spectrum — from normal flexibility to true connective tissue disease. Because there’s no known genetic marker for hEDS, diagnosis relies on clinical patterns and how symptoms impact function, not just how far someone can bend.

The challenge lies in distinguishing when flexibility is a normal variation versus when it reflects connective tissue fragility. Understanding this nuance matters for both patients and clinicians, leading to more accurate care and realistic expectations.

This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.

11/04/2025

Cervical collars are one of the most debated tools in spine care. While they can be essential after trauma or surgery, their long-term use raises concerns. Short-term immobilization may help protect healing tissues and reduce pain, but prolonged reliance can lead to muscle weakness, dependency, and even delayed recovery.

The key is balance—using collars strategically and under medical guidance, while prioritizing rehabilitation and strengthening whenever possible. Every patient’s needs are unique, and decisions should always be individualized.

Always follow your provider’s recommendations when it comes to cervical collar use. Everyone’s spine, stability, and recovery timeline are different—so what helps one person might not be right for another.

Have you used a cervical collar before? Did it help or cause more problems for you? Share your experience below.

11/03/2025

Tilt table testing is often used to diagnose POTS and other forms of dysautonomia, but in patients with hypermobility disorders it can sometimes be misleading. False negatives, exaggerated results, or a disconnect between test numbers and real-life symptoms are all possible outcomes.

That’s why it’s so important to remember: one test does not define your condition. The full clinical picture — including symptom history and specialist evaluation — matters just as much, if not more.

Have you ever had a tilt table test that didn’t reflect what you actually experience day to day? Share your experience below to help raise awareness.

10/31/2025

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can make procedures like epidural injections more complex. Fragile connective tissue, poor dural integrity, and delayed healing raise the risks of failed injections or CSF leaks.
Always seek care from experienced providers who understand these unique challenges and can take the necessary precautions.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always discuss your specific situation with a qualified healthcare professional.

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7000 W Palmetto Park Road, Ste 220
Boca Raton, FL
33433

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

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+15613662435

Website

http://www.actifypt.com/

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Our Story

We Help Individuals with Hypermobility Take Control of Their Lives and Get Back to Doing What they LOVE.

The name ACTIFY developed out of our passion for wellness of both the body and the mind. The activation of our minds is essential to the success of our physical health. In rehabilitation of the body, neuroplasticity allows our brains to create new positive and powerful neural connections to override painful, ineffective and self-limiting habits and movement patterns. Neurons that fire together, wire together. So, if we focus on new efficient and effective functional movement patterns, we will build stronger, positive neural pathways. We can re-educate your nervous system through a hands on approach that creates uniquely chosen therapeutic activities for you. From restoring your posture to re-creating functional and pain-free movement patterns, when we activate the connection between body and mind, you get better quicker.

Rather than focus only on your injury, we treat your whole body. Pain and injuries often come from imbalances, misalignment, or instability in the muscles, joints, soft tissue, and bone throughout the body and not just at the site of pain. If your body isn’t treated as a whole, you run the risk of having the same injury again or worse. From your first session, we get to work releasing muscle restrictions and restoring natural movement. For you, the impact is immediate, and it lasts.We work together with you to provide you with a multilayered treatment. We take the time to get to know you and ensure that our treatment will evolve as you get stronger. And when injury is no longer a limitation, we can help you optimize your body’s function with the same high level of attention using advanced methods of training.