What do you do when you’re dealing with multiple structural injuries, and the treatment plan for one seems to make the others worse?
That’s the question someone recently asked after sharing their struggle with:
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
- A severe hip labral tear
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- A scapholunate ligament tear in the wrist
They also mentioned they could no longer perform the hypermobility exercises that used to help and now they’re feeling stuck and hopeless.
If you relate to that, this post is for you.
First, Let’s Slow Down: Are Surgeries Really Necessary?
If you’ve been told that multiple surgeries are required, it’s worth asking a few key questions:
- Have you had more than one surgeon evaluate your case?
- Was that surgeon familiar with EDS or hypermobility spectrum disorders?
- Is there clear evidence of major loss of function or progressive neurological symptoms?
Labral tears, for example, are common in hypermobility. Many can be rehabbed with the right approach. Surgery might not be the only option. Outcomes after orthopedic surgery in EDS are often less predictable because of longer healing times and reduced connective tissue integrity.
The Foundation First: Don’t Build on a Cracked Base
Here’s an analogy we use all the time in the clinic: Rehabbing a body with EDS is like building a house.
If the foundation (your pelvis, core, and low back) is unstable, anything you build on top like the shoulders or wrists won’t hold.
That’s why we always start by strengthening the pelvis, spine, and deep stabilizers. Even if your most painful issues are in the upper body, there’s no skipping this step.
Build a Care Team That Understands Hypermobility
Not all healthcare providers are trained to manage hypermobility. Here are some key team members to consider:
- An EDS-informed physical therapist
- A physiatrist (PM&R doctor) who specializes in complex musculoskeletal rehab
- A second-opinion radiologist to review any imaging, especially when the surgical decision feels unclear
You can start by checking the provider directory on the Ehlers-Danlos Society website. You can also ask in local or national EDS support groups for recommendations based on lived experience.
Use External Supports to Create a Window for Movement
When the body feels unstable, even basic exercises can trigger pain or flares. External supports do not fix the root problem, but they help reduce the threat response so you can actually begin to move again.
Some tools to consider include:
- SI belts for pelvic stability
- Joint-specific braces for wrists, knees, or ankles
- Kinesiotape for temporary support (if adhesives are tolerated)
- Orthotics to improve lower body alignment
- Body Braid or other posture systems
These passive supports are most effective when combined with active strategies like exercise. The goal is to reduce the physical effort needed to stabilize so your nervous system can feel safer during movement.
When You Feel Stuck, Don’t Abandon the Process
When you are dealing with multiple injuries at once, it is easy to feel like nothing is working. But there is always a way forward. That might mean taking a more strategic approach, getting a new perspective, or focusing on building the base before trying to fix everything else.
As long as you have a beating heart, you still have the capacity to move forward. You may need the right people in your corner, a bit of time, and a smarter plan.
Need Help Finding Your Next Step?
If you’re dealing with a situation like this, we want to hear from you. Your question might help someone else too. Send it in and we’ll do our best to offer guidance based on what we’ve seen work for others with hypermobility, EDS, and overlapping injuries.
