hEDS & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
What is Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder that impacts the body’s collagen, which in turn affects a person’s ligaments, joints, skin and blood vessels.
Individuals who have hEDS often experience increased mobility in their joints (aka being “bendy”) which impacts parts of (or the entire) body which can lead to more frequent sprains, dislocations and/or chronic pain. Additional symptoms can include; GI dysfunction, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, pelvic dysfunction, headaches and movement challenges.
What we know is that hypermobility exists on a spectrum, and while each person’s experience is unique, many individuals spend years seeking answers before receiving a diagnosis and/or a treatment plan.
That said, it is very difficult to receive a diagnosis for hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) but especially for hEDS. Out of the many types of EDS, Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos is the only subset that does not currently have a genetic test to determine its prevalence. Because of this, an hEDS diagnosis is provided by a specialized physician and is clinical in nature. That being said, no one needs a diagnosis to be hypermobile and/or to seek care.
How does KPP support hypermobile individuals?
We have a deep understanding that being on the hypermobile spectrum and/or having hEDS can be quite challenging due to our years of experience working with this disorder. We believe that understanding the condition is an important step toward creating supportive strategies that help folks to move more comfortably and confidently in their bodies.
As mentioned, being hypermobile affects the way that joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments interact with one another. Our PTs work with folks to identify potential problem areas and deficiencies within movement patterns by taking a whole person approach to care. In terms of pelvic health, many hypermobile individuals may experience pelvic pain, bladder and bowel symptoms, core weakness, prolapse, abdominal/GI dysfunction and other symptoms that we are experts at addressing.
Our PT team meets people where they are and we work collaboratively with our patients to find solutions that are sustainable for their day-to-day lives. Overarchingly, our goal is to help folks reconnect with their bodies, improve function, and build confidence in movements so they can continue to do the things that matter most.
Should I exercise if I know I’m hypermobile and/or have been diagnosed with hEDS?
The short answer is yes! Being hypermobile does not mean that someone should stop exercising. What we typically see is that folks on the hypermobile spectrum have different sensation, proprioception, fatigue levels and risk factors – which is why working with a specialized provider can be so helpful when navigating movement.
What we have found is that it’s likely that hypermobile individuals need increased training to help connect with their body’s signals in order to build strength and support their body’s structures. The focus of our treatment plans tend to be geared towards slow and controlled motions rather than anything quick and sporadic and they may include loading joints differently in centralized and supported ways. Again, it depends on your particular structure, experience and needs.
At KPP, we can assist in not only creating an action plan to keep people moving safely but provide valuable feedback regarding their body and how it moves. In this sense, we’re able to help figure out what movements may be contributing to symptoms and help replace those motions with others that will be more effective.
Learn more about how KPP can help you navigate hypermobility here.
Have questions or want to see if Pelvic PT could be a good option for you? Reach out to us here!