EDS is a group of genetic disorders that affects connective tissue, bones, organs, blood vessels, and the neurological system. Though there are many variations of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, one common thread within this genetic disorder is connective tissue and the body’s inability to utilize it properly. No matter what type of EDS you suffer from, physical therapy can provide a solution to your pain.
Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
In the most common form of EDS, patients experience hypermobility in their joints. These symptoms often first occur during childhood in individuals that have unexplained orthopedic injuries without provocation that heal slowly and just don’t seem to make sense.
In patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the muscles are overworking to help stabilize the hypermobile joint, which causes the muscle to become tight. This results in a tight muscle pulling on an unstable joint, leading to pain and/or possible dislocation.
Implementing a Treatment Plan
One of the key aspects in managing EDS symptoms is learning what helps the disorder and what is an irritant. Teaching patients to understand what their body needs in certain situations, such as with prolonged standing or sitting posture, can be instrumental in improving function.
After a proper assessment that identifies the areas that need to be addressed (which can vary daily), a treatment program using guided exercises, corrective techniques and procedures to relieve muscle spasms should be implemented, as muscle spasms can play a huge role in the stability of joints.
Set Physical therapy has found dry needling very effective to release the area of tightness in muscles without compromising the joints since EDS patients are unable to stretch a tight muscle.
Managing EDS with Class IV Laser Treatment
Another successful treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is the use of a Class IV laser, which our New York location has found to be a good alternative to trigger-point dry needling for patients who have reactions to needles.
Class IV laser treatment, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive hot laser that creates blood flow by using light. The specific wavelength of light permeates the skin and stimulates the mitochondria to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which increases blood flow and nutrients to a particular region where the laser is placed.
This action allows tight muscles to release irritation of excessive pressure, decreasing the pull on the hypermobile joint and alleviating pain and instability. Photobiomodulation treatment is followed by stabilization or corrective techniques to make sure the correct muscles are firing for joint stabilization.
Education is key to resolving pain of any kind, as it will help you better understand your condition so you can seek proper treatment. SetPT is always available to answer any questions you may have about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Our physical therapists have extensive experience in treating patients with EDS suffering from a wide array of symptoms. Contact your local Set Physical Therapy today to begin a treatment plan for managing Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
