Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS or hypermobility syndrome) is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body. In the past, we shared an informational post on EDS, and today we’re highlighting how physical therapy can help patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
At SetPT, we treat many patients suffering from this condition and understand from experience how beneficial physical therapy can be to help alleviate pain, enhance stability and improve quality of life.
Guided Exercise
One of the most important ways to manage EDS-related pain is through exercise. It can be challenging to know which activities are okay to partake in, so seeking your physical therapist’s advice is essential as they will determine which of your joints needs strengthening and which movements are safe for you.
Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome should not stretch past their end range of motion of a joint, even if the muscles feel tight. Because EDS is a connective tissue disorder, the ligaments around the joint that usually stop it from going too far are very stretched out and do not provide the support required with end-range stretching. A comprehensive body strengthening routine designed by a trained physical therapist will help support loose joints and reduce pain from instability.
Corrective Techniques
Due to the looseness of the joints and connective tissues, it is very easy for those with EDS to sublux or dislocate their joints often. This is quite painful and debilitating, but your physical therapist can show you ways to self-reduce your subluxations and dislocations and then activate your muscles to stabilize the joint.
Tactics such as using Kinesio Tape to improve proprioception and facilitate the muscles to provide external stability are incredibly efficient in lessening pain and enhancing function overall.
Relieving Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms occur in patients with EDS because the muscles are working very hard to provide stability to the joints that the ligaments are not. These muscle spasms are painful and make it difficult to move and concentrate, possibly even resulting in headaches.
One way to relieve these spasms is with dry needling, followed by corrective exercises to re-educate the muscle. Myofascial release techniques are another option to reduce pain and improve muscle function.
If you’ve been diagnosed with EDS or hypermobility syndrome, seeing a physical therapist familiar with all of the issues that come along with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and how to manage them can make a massive difference for your comfort and health. At SetPT, we have skilled therapists experienced in treating individuals with EDS. Reach out to us today to get your EDS pain under control!
