Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affect the connective tissues (skin, joints and blood vessel walls.) It is associated with a variety of genetic causes, some of which are passed from a parent to the child. Joint pain and dislocations are common with this condition. 

Although this syndrome may seem out of the ordinary, Fitness Matters in Worthington, Grandview, Westerville and Dublin, OH skilled physical therapists can help! To learn more about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and how to combat the symptoms, contact our clinic today.

What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome usually presents itself in patients by causing them to have joints that are extra flexible, as well as “stretchy” skin. Stretchy skin can cause problems if the patient becomes injured and needs stitches, as their skin will not be strong enough to hold the stitches in place. Patients with this condition will also notice that their skin does not heal as easily as it should when they are wounded; scars may even have a wrinkled appearance.

Flexible joints can also present problems. Since the connective tissue that holds your joints together is much looser than it should be, your joints may move outside of the normal range of motion, which can result in dislocated or painful joints. Having overly flexible joints can also result in early-onset arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome causes a person to have a much lower tolerance for strenuous exercise because it causes them pain. This can result in less ability to perform physical activity, as well as lowered levels of fitness and strength.

How can Physical Therapy at Fitness Matters help?

Patients with this syndrome may experience pain, poor coordination, fatigue, and other issues that can result in difficulty leading normal and healthy lives. According to the Ehlers-Danlos site, “Both children and adults with JHS/hEDS (Ehlers-Danlos) tend to be less coordinated, have reduced body awareness and balance and tend to report feeling clumsy and falling more often than healthy individuals. 

In children, decreased gross motor control can lead to developmental delay, including learning to walk at a later age. Similarly, decreased fine motor control can result in difficulty with handwriting.”

Fitness Matters’ physical therapists are skilled movement specialists who can help with this condition by working one-on-one with each of our patients. Our therapists can utilize a variety of different methods, including hands-on manual therapy, aquatic therapy, vestibular rehab, therapeutic massage, and relaxation techniques to aid with joint pain and discomfort, as well as balance and coordination.

Contact Fitness Matters Today!

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or exhibit any of the mentioned symptoms regarding joint pain, balance, and coordination, Fitness Matters can help! Rest assured that our therapists will take great care of you and provide the best possible service. 

Our goal is to improve your strength, confidence, and overall mobility during treatment, while simultaneously lowering (or even eliminating!) your pain symptoms. Call our clinic today in Worthington, Grandview, Westerville and Dublin, OH to set up your first appointment, and we’ll take it from there!