We Can Help Manage Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Hypermobility is a condition where joints move beyond their normal range of motion. It can occur as part of a benign condition with no additional symptoms or be associated with disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
Living with hypermobility can be challenging, especially if it stems from EDS, which causes symptoms throughout the body, including joint pain and dislocations, as well as various complications. There’s no cure, but you can manage your condition in several ways to ensure a healthy, active lifestyle.
No matter the reason for your hypermobility, the team at Solutions Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine will work closely with you to develop personalized treatment plans to manage symptoms and prevent injuries and other complications.
To learn more about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and how you can take control of your condition, contact our clinic today!
Signs and Symptoms of Hypermobility
- Joints that pop out of place with minimal force or movement
- Joint pain or discomfort, especially after physical activity or at the end of the day
- More frequent sprains, strains, or other soft tissue injuries
- Difficulty maintaining good posture due to joint instability.
Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a type of hypermobility that affects your body’s connective tissue, including your bones and joint cartilage. It prevents your body from correctly producing collagen, one of the proteins that make up your body’s connective tissue.
Symptoms of EDS
In addition to the hypermobility symptoms above, people with EDS may also experience the following:
- “Stretchy” Skin
EDS can cause your skin to become thin and stretchy, making it harder for your skin to heal properly. For example, your body may take longer to heal after a minor cut. - Chronic Pain
People with EDS often struggle with chronic (long-term) pain in their joints, muscles, and myofascia, a flexible tissue surrounding the joints. - Fatigue
EDS can cause persistent feelings of fatigue and can make it difficult to concentrate.
Complications of EDS
Because of the many ways Ehlers-Danlos syndrome affects the body, there are several complications of the condition that you want to be aware of, including the following:
- Joint dislocations
- Decreased strength and fitness due to a lower tolerance for strenuous exercise
- Issues with balance and coordination, including a higher risk of falling
- Difficulties with both fine and gross motor development
- Scoliosis
- Bowed or curved limbs
- Teeth and gum issues
Managing Hypermobility and EDS with Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is essential in managing EDS and hypermobility alongside other healthcare professionals. Our physical therapists can help manage pain, reduce your risk of injury, and build strength and fitness.
We’ll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that pulls from several different treatment options, including the following:
- Manual Therapy
These hands-on treatments offer drug-free alternatives to managing chronic. One particularly effective technique for people with hypermobility is myofascial release, a gentle technique that involves working out restrictions in the myofascia. - Therapeutic Exercise
While exercising can be challenging for people with EDS, it’s crucial in managing your symptoms. We’ll develop a personalized program that suits your needs and abilities and will focus on two main areas:- Aerobic exercise to promote joint stability and improve muscle tone
- Strength training to help stabilize and protect your joints
- Balance Training
If EDS or hypermobility makes you feel unstable, we’ll work to improve your overall balance, coordination, and proprioception (sense of yourself in space). These exercises will challenge your balance, so you will gradually see improvements over time. - Assistive Devices
You may benefit from various adaptive devices that make movement easier. These could include braces or orthoses to protect and stabilize your joints or mobility devices such as a walker or cane. We’ll help you find the right ones for your needs and train you in their use.
We aim to improve your strength, confidence, and overall mobility while lowering (or even eliminating!) your pain symptoms. Call our clinic Solutions Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine today for your first appointment.
Sources
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Ehlers-Danlos_Syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549814/