What is EDS?
EDS, or Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, is an inherited connective tissue disorder that can affect the tissues that support many of the structures in our body (i.e. skin, ligaments, muscles, organs, etc). Although there are six types of EDS, the most common one is EDS Hypermobility, which can only be confirmed by a geneticist. If you think you might have EDS, you should set up an appointment with your primary care physician and ask for a referral with a geneticist and a physical therapist.
What are some common EDS symptoms?
– Frequent joint dislocations or ankle sprains
– Joint clicking/noises and pain
– Extreme fatigue
– Joint hypermobility
– Digestive problems
– Dizziness (especially after standing up)
What should you expect during your physical therapy evaluation?
During your first appointment with a physical therapist, you will spend time talking about all your symptoms and challenges. If necessary, your PT will also refer you to see other specialists such as a gastroenterologist, orthotist, neurologist, etc. After this initial discussion, the physical therapist will spend time evaluating all impacted joints/muscles throughout your body. The Beighton Scoring System will be administered to determine which major joints throughout your body are most impacted.
Is it safe to exercise if I have EDS?
YES! Although it might be scary to exercise at first, the number one treatment for most EDS symptoms is to work on your strength and stability! Physical therapists can help guide you through an appropriate and safe exercise progression.
Conclusion
Being diagnosed with any disease can be intimidating but know that there are healthcare professionals who are qualified to help. Please reach out to us at Joint Ventures if you need help managing your symptoms or if you need a consult and don’t know where to start. We are here to help you!
-Dan Rabinowicz, PT, DPT
Brookline/Allston Clinic