How Physiotherapy Can Help with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS)

Jess Mcdonald
6 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS) is a connective tissue disorder that affects the body's ability to produce strong and stable collagen. As a result, individuals with HyEDS often experience joint hypermobility, skin that is easily bruised or hyper-elastic, and a heightened risk of injury or joint dislocation. Although there is currently no cure for HyEDS, physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and helping individuals with HyEDS lead more active and fulfilling lives.

At Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates in Geelong, we are committed to providing personalised treatment plans that address the unique needs of those with (HyEDS). In this blog post, we will explore how physiotherapy can support people living with this condition and why it is an essential part of a holistic care plan.

Physio supporting hypermobile client on reformer at Move Sports Physio in Geelong

Understanding EDS

Before diving into how physiotherapy can help, it’s important to understand the nature of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. HyEDS is a genetic condition that affects the collagen in the body. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and strength to various tissues, including skin, muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels. In HyEDS, the collagen is more elastic than it should be, which leads to hypermobility in the joints, increased stretchiness of the skin, and weakened tissue integrity.

Common symptoms of HyEDS include:

Joint pain and dislocations
Soft, elastic skin that is prone to bruising
Frequent sprains or strains
Chronic pain, particularly in the joints
Fatigue and muscle weakness
Postural instability or dizziness

These symptoms can vary widely between individuals and may cause significant challenges in everyday activities, including physical activity, work, and socialising. While there is no cure for HyEDS, physiotherapy can be a powerful tool in managing symptoms, improving joint stability, and helping people with HyEDS maintain a higher level of function and independence.

How We Test for HyEDS

Physio at computer listering and helping client with hypermobility

At Move Sports Physio, diagnosing HEDS involves a thorough assessment of your medical history, physical symptoms, and family history. We use a combination of physical tests, including the Beighton score, which helps assess joint hypermobility, along with other diagnostic criteria from the International Classification of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. While physiotherapists cannot formally diagnose HEDS (which requires input from a specialist or genetic testing), we can identify signs and symptoms and refer you to the appropriate medical professionals for confirmation.

How We Can Treat Hypermobile EDS...

Treatment for HEDS focuses on managing symptoms, preventing injuries, and improving strength and stability. While there’s no cure for HEDS, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in minimising the impact of the condition. Treatment may include:

Strengthening Exercises: These help improve muscle control around hypermobile joints, reducing the risk of injury and increasing joint stability.
Postural Training: Educating on proper posture and movement mechanics can help reduce strain on joints and improve overall body alignment.
Pain Management: Through manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, and tailored exercise programs, we can help manage and alleviate joint and muscle pain associated with HEDS.
Bracing and Supports: In some cases, supports or braces may be recommended to stabilize joints during activities, especially in the case of frequent dislocations or sprains.

How Physiotherapy Can Help with Bendy Bodies?

Physiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that focuses on the assessment, prevention, and management of musculoskeletal conditions. For people with HyEDS, physiotherapy can help address many of the challenges caused by joint instability, muscle weakness, and pain. Here’s how physiotherapy can make a difference:

1. Improving Joint Stability and Strength

One of the hallmark features of HyEDS is joint hypermobility, which can lead to frequent dislocations, subluxations, and general joint instability. Physiotherapy aims to strengthen the muscles around hypermobile joints, providing additional support and reducing the risk of injury. Targeted exercises can help improve muscle strength and control, which in turn reduces strain on the joints and enhances stability.

Your physiotherapist at Move will design a personalised exercise program to strengthen the muscles in and around your most affected joints, such as the knees, hips, shoulders, and spine. These exercises often include low-impact strength training, core strengthening, and proprioception exercises, which focus on improving balance and joint awareness.

2. Pain Management

Chronic pain is a common symptom of HyEDS, often due to joint instability, muscle overuse, or connective tissue strain. Physiotherapy offers a range of strategies to manage and reduce pain. Through manual therapy, such as massage or joint mobilisation, a physiotherapist can help alleviate muscle tension and improve joint mobility.

In addition to hands-on treatment, exercise therapy is also an effective way to reduce pain in the long term. Research has shown that regular physical activity can help decrease pain and inflammation by improving blood circulation, increasing endorphin levels, and reducing muscle tightness.

3. Educating on Joint Protection Techniques

Because individuals with HyEDS are more susceptible to joint injuries, it is essential to learn how to protect the joints during daily activities. Physiotherapists can teach joint protection techniques, such as proper posture, body mechanics, and safe lifting techniques, to prevent strain on hypermobile joints and reduce the risk of dislocations or injuries. They can also recommend assistive devices or bracing options that help support unstable joints during activity.

4. Managing Fatigue and Improving Energy Levels

Fatigue is a common complaint for those living with HyEDS, as the body works harder to compensate for joint instability and pain. Physiotherapy can help by recommending energy-conservation strategies and modifying daily activities to prevent overexertion. This may include pacing strategies and teaching individuals to recognise when they are at risk of becoming fatigued.

Additionally, physiotherapists can design low-impact exercises like Pilates or swimming, which can be beneficial for improving overall endurance without putting excessive strain on the joints.

5.. Building a Holistic Care Plan

Living with HyEDS requires a multidisciplinary approach to care, and physiotherapy plays an integral role in this. Along with other healthcare professionals, physiotherapists can help you develop a comprehensive care plan that addresses all aspects of your health. This might include nutrition advice, sleep hygiene, psychological support, and pain management strategies.

At Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates, we understand the complexity of HyEDS and work closely with other healthcare providers to ensure you receive the most effective care possible.

Why Choose Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates for HyEDS?

At Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates in Geelong,, our team is trained to treat a wide range of conditions, including hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. We take the time to thoroughly assess each individual’s unique needs, developing tailored treatment plans to address pain, joint instability, and muscle weakness associated with HyEDS. Our aim is to help you reduce the impact of symptoms and empower you to live a more active, pain-free life.

By working with a specialist physiotherapist, you can expect:

A thorough assessment of your condition and individual needs
A personalised treatment plan with specific exercises and techniques for your body
Support with managing pain, improving mobility, and building strength
Education on joint protection and activity modification
Assistance with fatigue management and energy conservation strategies
Collaboration with other healthcare professionals for a holistic approach to your care

Team of Physios at Move Sports Physio & Pilates in Geelong - all smiling Vald force decks behind them

Get Help Today at Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates...

If you’re living with HyEDS and looking for support, our team at Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates is here to help. Whether you’re struggling with joint pain, instability, or fatigue, physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for managing your condition and improving your quality of life. Book an appointment with us today to begin your journey toward a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Key Takeaway

Physiotherapy is essential in managing Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HyEDS). It helps improve joint stability, reduce pain, manage fatigue, and increase mobility, allowing individuals to maintain a high quality of life despite the challenges of the condition.