Question
How can physical therapists effectively support patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) in their rehabilitation and daily management?
Answer
Physical therapists play a crucial role in the management of EDS and HSD by providing education, individualized exercise programs, and strategies for joint protection and pain management. Education is foundational, as many patients have experienced medical trauma or disbelief regarding their symptoms. Building trust and validating the patient’s experience is essential for therapeutic success. Therapists should teach patients about their condition, including the importance of movement for connective tissue health, and provide guidance on pacing, fatigue management, and self-care strategies.
Exercise programs should be highly individualized, starting with gentle movements and progressing slowly to avoid flares. Emphasis is placed on improving proprioception, motor control, and joint stability before advancing to strengthening exercises. Therapists should also address systemic issues such as dysautonomia, mast cell activation, and gastrointestinal symptoms, often collaborating with other healthcare providers. Practical interventions include teaching self-management techniques, recommending appropriate bracing or compression garments, and modifying exercises to accommodate comorbidities or pain sensitization. The overall approach is holistic, integrating biomechanical and biopsychosocial strategies to enhance function and quality of life.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, 'Effectively Treating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Related Comorbidities', presented by Heather Purdin, PT, CMPT.
