Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is actually a group of syndromes. Someone can have any one of the 13+ types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).¹ Here at Pain Science Physical Therapy, our physical therapists treat anyone with any type of EDS who needs help through physical therapy.

What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

EDS is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue of the body It is generally characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyper-elasticity, and tissue fragility. Although, there is variation within those aspects. Symptoms of EDS can appear at any point in a lifetime.²

Connective tissue is what holds together and supports the different parts of the body. Connective tissue includes cartilage, ligaments, tendons, blood, lymphatic tissue, bone, and fat.³ As one can imagine, when any one of these types of connective tissues are affected by EDS, the whole body functioning is affected. These patients often need assistance in learning how to function with less support from their connective tissue. 

Ehlers-Danlos Symptoms

Each type of EDS has their own symptoms, but many types have a few symptoms in common, including fragile tissue, hypermobile joints, and stretchy skin.

EDS symptoms include:

• Joint hypermobility
• Tissue fragility
• Skin elasticity
• Chronic pain
• Joint instability and dislocation
• Muscle weakness
• Bruising 
• Organ fragility
• Arterial fragility

Each type of EDS not only has its own group of symptoms, but also its own name and acronym. For example, there is Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Classic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (cEDS), Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (vEDS), etc. The most common type is hEDS followed by cEDS and vEDS. Overall, EDS is fairly rare.

Physical Therapy for Ehlers-Danlos

We treat patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. People with EDS benefit from coaching on safe ways to strengthen their muscles. Strong muscles will act as support where their connective tissue isn’t supporting. 

People with EDS are easily prone to injury. Strong muscles and proper falling and moving techniques acquired from physical therapy can prevent injury and aid in faster recovery when injury does occur. 

EDS treatment includes:

• Education on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and the human body
• Functional strengthening exercises
• Conditioning proper movement form to prevent complications of EDS
• Education and training on how to reduce pain associated with EDS
• Suggestions for simple lifestyle changes that make life with EDS easier 
• Suggestions for special equipment and training with that equipment

At Pain Science Physical Therapy, we believe that everyone deserves to have the tools to be able to move without pain and with confidence! Our physical therapists are ready to help you take back the control of your movements from your EDS. We’ll give you the training and support to feel confident doing all your favorite activities. Schedule an appointment to meet with one of our physical therapists by calling (206) 327-9880 or scheduling online. 

Sources:

1. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/ 
2. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/2081/hypermobile-ehlers-danlos-syndrome 
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538534/#:~:text=wide%2Dranging%20properties.-,Specialized%20connective%20tissues%20include%20adipose%2C%20cartilage%2C%20bone%2C%20blood%2C,tissues%20contribute%20to%20diverse%20functions. 
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549814/