Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Advantage Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists located in Falls Church, VA & Reston, VA

The physical therapists at Advantage Physical Therapy, located in Falls Church, Annandale, Arlington, VA, and the surrounding areas, provide treatments to patients from throughout Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC Metro area.

703-832-0193

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Q&A

What is joint hypermobility?

Joint hypermobility describes a joint that has more mobility than usual. Some patients with joint hypermobility experience instability within the joint that can lead to pain, subluxations, dislocations, and other injuries.

What is EDS?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that can be characterized by joint hypermobility, tissue fragility, and increased skin elasticity. Some types of EDS can be diagnosed with genetic testing, while other types are diagnosed by a physician based off of a physical exam and family history.

What is HSD?

Hypermobility spectrum disorder is a diagnosis that is given to a person who does not meet the criteria for EDS, but that has joint hypermobility. Presentation of these patients can be very similar to those with EDS.

How can Physical Therapy help with EDS management and symptoms?

Physical Therapy interventions including neuromuscular reeducation, therapeutic exercise, and therapeutic activity can help EDS patients manage symptoms by improving strength and stability of a joint, as well as by working to improve balance and proprioception. EDS patients often struggle with muscular pain secondary to trigger point presentation. Interventions such as trigger point dry needling, manual trigger point release, and cupping can help release these and improve muscle activation and pain. PT interventions also include postural training as well as ADL training to improve form during painful movement patterns.