Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the connective tissue of the body. Connective tissue is the tissue in the body that supports bones and joints, skin, blood vessels and internal organs. There different types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but on of the most common signs and symptoms include overly flexible joints. Because the connective tissue that holds joints together is looser, your joints can move far past the normal range of motion. This can lead to joint pain and instability and from a bigger picture makes it harder for your body to sense its overall position in space. Not everyone who has EDS has joint mobility issues and there are many people who have hypermobility of their connective tissue and joints that do not have EDS. These hypermobility syndromes can be challenging to treat and need special attention beyond just traditional strengthening and joint protection.
Here are our top 5 tips for patients with EDS or joint hypermobility.
1: Get an Optimal Pair of Shoes
In order for your body to be stable with any upright activity you need to have stability from your foot and ankle (especially your heel bone) first! Your ability to sense where you place your body on the ground depends on the signals from your ankles. If you have loose ligaments of your ankle for any reason proper footwear is KEY. If you don’t get the proper message from your feet and ankle you may feel unstable, dizzy, disoriented and your general level of tension in your body (and autonomic nervous system) will be higher.
Check out our SHOE LIST for qualities of a great shoe or better yet, let us help you find your best shoe!
2. Improve Your Breathing
Your ability to manage your mechanics and efficiency of breathing is key to improving your upright posture and for people with hypermobility is the best way to help you manage internal pressure and your autonomic nervous system. Without proper breathing mechanics your ability to regulate internal and external pressure on your body is challenging at best. People with EDS and hypermobility tend to utilize poor breathing mechanics because they rely on their breathing muscles for postural stability. Postural Restoration (R) techniques that we utilize will help you maximize the efficiency of your respiratory system.
3. Check Your Teeth
The way your teeth fit has a direct impact on the alignment of your neck and head especially at the base of the skull. People with EDS or instability at the base of the head tend to clench their teeth more to try and stabilize this often hypermobile area. If the way your teeth fit isn’t in an ideal state this position of clenching can actually make your symptoms worse.
If this is an issue, finding a PT and a dentist that can work together to help manage this is important. Luckily we do work with a great dental team to address these issues on a regular basis.
4. Control Inflammation
This can look different for everyone but systemic inflammation will exacerbate an already challenged nervous system. Finding a practitioner or physician that can help you control general inflammation will be valuable. Watching your diet, sleep habits, and medication can all be valuable. Keeping your body working posturally and biomechanically efficient with physical therapy and PRI activities will also be very helpful.
5. Progress Slowly
Exercise and Physical Therapy will be very helpful but you will need to progress activities at a slower than normal pace to avoid pain, strain, or utilizing poor technique. Finding a therapist that understands you and your body will be key to help you guide your activity level and activities. Give yourself time and grace to ease into things. Utilize modalities and manual therapy cautiously. You can get stronger and more stable with the right program!
Hypermobility and EDS can be a factor that challenges upright function and be a factor in generalized pain and dysautonomia. It can be managed and managed well with the right team and approach. We can help you. Contact us for more information or to see us here at the clinic.
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