Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Are you experiencing joint pain or stiffness, especially after physical activity?

Are you noticing that your joints often feel loose or unstable?

Are you experiencing frequent sprains, strains, or injuries, even with minor movements?

Are you finding that your range of motion in joints seems unusually greater than most people?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of heritable connective tissue disorders caused by genetic variations that affect collagen production or processing. Collagen is a critical protein providing strength and elasticity to skin, joints, blood vessels, and other tissues. There are 13 recognized subtypes of EDS, each with unique genetic causes and clinical presentations.

Common Symptoms:

  • Joint Hypermobility: Excessive joint flexibility, which can lead to frequent dislocations and joint pain.
  • Skin Changes: Fragile, velvety, or stretchy skin that bruises easily and heals poorly.
  • Vascular Fragility: In some types, there’s an increased risk of arterial or organ rupture, posing life-threatening complications.
  • Chronic Pain: A common symptom across many forms of EDS.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, family history, and sometimes genetic testing or a skin biopsy to study connective tissue properties. It often requires collaboration with specialists familiar with EDS​.

Treatment:

While there is no cure, management focuses on preventing complications and improving quality of life: Physiotherapy can be highly beneficial for individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) by addressing the unique challenges associated with the condition. The key benefits include:

  1. Joint Stabilization
  • Strengthens surrounding muscles to compensate for joint laxity.
  • Improves proprioception (awareness of joint positioning) to reduce the risk of dislocations and subluxations.
  • Tailored exercises help maintain mobility while minimizing strain on joints.
  1. Pain Management
  • Techniques such as manual therapy, dry needling, or gentle mobilizations can reduce muscle tension and chronic pain.
  • Education on proper movement patterns prevents overloading vulnerable tissues.
  1. Postural Alignment and Balance
  • Correcting posture decreases strain on connective tissues and reduces compensatory movement patterns.
  • Improves balance and coordination, which can be impaired due to hypermobility.
  1. Building Core Strength
  • A strong core provides better spinal support and reduces stress on other areas, promoting overall stability.
  1. Customized Exercise Programs
  • Low-impact activities like swimming or PhysioPilates-based exercises enhance muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness without exacerbating joint issues.
  • Programs are adapted to the individual’s fatigue levels and specific joint vulnerabilities.
  1. Education and Awareness
  • Teaching patients how to modify daily activities to avoid joint strain or injury.
  • Providing advice on braces or supports to protect hypermobile joints during specific activities.
  1. Support for Life Stages and Conditions
  • Guidance for managing additional challenges such as pregnancy, post-surgery recovery, or age-related changes in strength and flexibility.

Physiotherapy for EDS focuses on improving quality of life, reducing symptoms, and empowering individuals to safely engage in daily activities and hobbies. Regular sessions with a physiotherapist who understands EDS can make a significant difference in managing this complex condition​.