Your Trusted EDS Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Joint hypermobility is a condition in which a person's joints are extremely flexible, extending beyond their usual limitations. While this may not seem like a huge problem to someone who isn't living with a hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD), those who do have hypermobility know that it can be extremely painful, and can even interfere with daily activities.
At Healing Motion, we understand the challenges that come with living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and other HSDs, and we're here to help. We offer a variety of EDS treatment services that can help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life, from physical therapy to massage therapy designed specifically for people with EDS.
If you're in need of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome treatment or therapy for another hypermobility condition, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you find the relief you need. Schedule your first appointment with Healing Motion today.
Experienced Physical Therapists for Patients With Hypermobility
Treating & Diagnosing Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)
Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are a group of conditions that affect the connective tissues in the body. Connective tissues provide support to the skin, muscles, and joints, and people with HSD have weaker-than-average connective tissue. When it comes to hypermobility spectrum disorders, symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, and other problems.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is the most well-known type of HSD. It's a genetic condition that affects the connective tissues in the body.
There are many Ehlers-Danlos syndrome types, including the classical type, the hypermobile type, and the vascular type. Each type has its own set of symptoms which can range from mild to severe, but the most common symptom of EDS is joint pain. This can range from mild to severe, and is often worse after physical activity. Other common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Joint instability
- Dislocations
- Subluxations
- Chronic pain
- Digestive problems
- Poor healing of wounds and scars
While there is no cure for EDS, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Once EDS has been diagnosed, treatment can begin. At Healing Motion, we often recommend Myofascial Release (MFR) along with exercise as the first line of treatment, as it can help to improve joint stability and range of motion while also reducing pain.
If you think you're struggling with chronic pain due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or another HSD, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you get the therapy you need to improve your quality of life.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome FAQs
Does EDS affect someone’s life expectancy?
The answer to this question depends on the type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) a person has. For example, for those with the vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, life expectancy may be shortened due to the increased risk of rupturing major arteries. However, for most people with EDS, life expectancy is normal.
Do I need genetic disease testing to confirm I have EDS?
Ruling out all other EDS variants IS one of the diagnostic criteria for the hypermobile variant and these days genetic testing is the quickest way to do that since 12 of the 13 known variants have a specific genetic mutation associated with them.
My tests show that I don’t have EDS, but I have all the symptoms. Can I still be treated?
Someone with extreme HSD is literally indistinguishable, in terms of clinical presentation. Some patients with hypermobility do not show the genetic markers of EDS when tested, even though they display all the typical symptoms. If this describes you, you may have a different type of hypermobility spectrum disorder, and you can still benefit from the same therapy given to patients with confirmed cases of EDS.
How can I get started with the best EDS specialist near me?
If you’re ready to begin your specialized, comprehensive therapy and find relief for chronic pain, Healing Motion makes it easy to get started. Just schedule your first appointment with us using our easy, user-friendly online scheduling tool.