Adults diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) often struggle with pain in multiple joints, along with several other systems of the body that can be affected by their condition. Though it may be hard to imagine now- even without a cure- there are symptoms of hEDS or HSD that can greatly improve with the right healthcare team.
A knowledgeable Physical Therapist is a critical part of the long-term success of treating hypermobility.
Why It's Critical To Choose A Physical Therapist That Is Highly Trained & Experienced with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Treatment:
- Some Physical Therapists may not have adequate training to treat hEDS or HSD.
- It’s estimated that as many as 38% of patients with hEDS or HSD are injured while receiving care in a conventional PT setting. (Reasons below)
- Patients may also struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis for as long as 28 years.
- In “traditional” physical therapy settings, patients are often left to assistants or aides; Physical Therapists may be split between 3-4 patients or delegate out all patients to aides or assistants. We think this means more people are likely to get hurt.
- Physical therapists without proper training may take a ‘joint-by-joint’ approach that leads to unmet needs and poor outcomes.
- Without additional training, practitioners may not even be familiar with other conditions that go along with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, such as: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Craniocervical instability (CCI), Chiari malformations, and Tethered cord (to name a few). It’s critical that your therapist has a working knowledge of these conditions to keep you safe during therapy.
Instead, we recommend developing a relationship with a well-trained & knowledgeable Physical Therapist who treats you as a whole person so you can stop the spiral downward and reclaim a more active life, less reliant on the medical system.
THE WAY WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY AT HEALTHY CONSUMER PT:
- We understand that you may feel overwhelmed or let down by other practitioners in the past. You may be fearful of further injury or continuing to spiral downward. It doesn’t have to be this way!
- Several of our patients say they haven’t felt “heard” by their practitioners or that they are “making things up.” We always listen intently and work closely with your healthcare team to educate and empower you to recover.
- You are a complex, unique human- not just an individual body part Our expert physical therapists treat the WHOLE person- taking into account your unique experiences, lifestyle, needs, and goals.
- Your treatment begins with a comprehensive head-to-toe whole-body evaluation designed around your needs & goals.
Our physical therapists always use hands-on care when appropriate: Gentle techniques determined by your current level of sensitivity.
- Therapists use gentle methods to reduce the risk of injury compared to “traditional” approaches (gentle techniques may include: mulligan mobilization with movement, strain-counter strain, myofascial release, fascial grooming, functional indirect technique, and more, depending on your needs).
- Things such as quick thrust manipulations or aggressive stretching may be dangerous in hEDS or HSD patients.
Learn ways to help balance the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and stimulate blood flow to avoid blood pooling and a racing heart (tachycardia).
We can teach self-care techniques to release trauma and dampen the effects of anxiety and the “fight-or-flight” feelings
These techniques may reduce the sense of being “revved up” all the time
Our therapists have extensive training & clinical experience with Ehlers-Danlos treatment and hypermobile spectrum disorder treatment.
We teach visualization techniques for releasing and processing pain or discomfort
Sessions are geared towards building confidence and resilience in your body, and also reducing the occurrence of joint subluxations and dislocations
Therapists may use taping (if adhesives are tolerated), bracing, and breathing techniques to ease your discomfort.
We offer individualized education for the appropriateness of compression garments, orthotics, and more.
Video demonstrations and written resources will be yours to keep forever to empower you on your journey
Physical therapists at Healthy Consumer PT use customized therapeutic movement instead of “core strengthening.”
Learn to move and exercise safely and make progress without injury
There are limited occasions where stretching may be appropriate: learn to do so SAFELY (and within a proper range of motion)
It’s critical that you learn your limits of movement with hypermobility and also proprioception (awareness of where your body is in space.) This is a big focus of our treatment strategy.
Build the right team for Ehlers-Danlos treatment or Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder treatment
We recognize that Ehlers-Danlos treatment or Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder treatment takes a team. Our therapists regularly and consistently work with other practitioners in the area who are knowledgeable with hEDS and HSD to make sure you are fully supported and reassured.
Choose 1-on-1 Care:
Physical therapy with a therapist with advanced training and experience is a proven treatment option to manage hypermobility issues. As we mentioned before, we constantly see patients struggling with hypermobility and chronic pain. If you find that your symptoms make it difficult to be independent, to perform at your job, or you’re not as active as you’d like to be with your friends and family, our expert physical therapists can help you to manage the symptoms of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos or Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder and get you back to living your best life. Choose Healthy Consumer PT for Ehlers-Danlos treatment in Lansing, MI!
Want To Get Relief Faster?
Choose which option works best for you…
