What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of rare genetic disorders that impact the body’s connective tissues. One subtype, known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type (EDS-HT), involves joints that move beyond the normal range of motion. This hypermobility can cause a range of symptoms and complications.​
What are the symptoms?
Here are some key features of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type (EDS-HT):
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Joint Hypermobility: This is the hallmark of EDS-HT. It means your joints are more flexible than usual, often bending or extending beyond the normal range of motion. While this may sound cool, it can lead to joint pain, instability, and a higher risk of joint dislocations or subluxations (partial dislocations).
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Chronic Pain: Many individuals with EDS-HT experience chronic pain, particularly in the joints and muscles. This pain can be debilitating and significantly affect daily activities.
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Other Symptoms: EDS-HT can also come with a range of other symptoms, including fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular problems, and easy bruising.
What is Benign Hypermobility Syndrome, or BHS?
Some people with very flexible joints might not fit all the criteria for an EDS diagnosis, but they can still experience joint pain and other symptoms. In these cases, they may be diagnosed with Benign Hypermobility Syndrome (BHS), which shares some similarities with EDS-HT.​
Sonia
"Dr. Jasia has tremendous expertise, an ability to think outside the box, and a true understanding of different PT issues. She is very knowledgeable on pain, manual therapy, pelvic floor conditions, and hypermobility/EDS. You can trust her to invest in your wellness."
How does pelvic floor physical therapy help?
The instability associated with hypermobility can cause the muscles and surrounding areas to become tight and painful in response, seeking stability through constant contraction of these muscles. Overtime, this tightness can cause chronic pain in many areas, including the pelvic floor, and can also lead to dysfunctions in the bowel or bladder. At Well Women Physical Therapy, we take a holistic approach, understanding that pain in one part of your body can be connected to dysfunction elsewhere, such as how pain in your left shoulder might relate to dysfunction in your right hip. Our assessment and treatments focus on your overall movement, and not just individual parts.