Understanding Joint Hypermobility in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Living with joint pain, frequent injuries, or constant muscle fatigue can be overwhelming—especially when you don’t understand what’s causing it. For many people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), joint hypermobility is one of the most challenging and noticeable symptoms. This condition affects how the body’s connective tissues form and function, which can lead to pain, instability, and mobility problems. The good news is that with the right support, education, and EDS treatment, many people can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
At New Moon Physiotherapy in Baltimore, we help patients with EDS build strength, stability, and confidence through personalized care. If you’re struggling with joint hypermobility or pain, call us today at (443) 653-2904 to schedule your appointment and get the support you deserve.
What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of genetic disorders that affect collagen—a key protein in connective tissues such as skin, ligaments, tendons, and joints. When collagen is weak or formed incorrectly, it can make joints more flexible than normal. This increased flexibility is known as joint hypermobility.
People with EDS often have:
Extra-flexible joints
Frequent sprains or strains
Joint pain, especially after activity
Muscle fatigue
Soft or stretchy skin
While hypermobility might seem harmless at first, it can actually lead to long-term problems if not managed with proper EDS treatment.
What Is Joint Hypermobility?
Joint hypermobility means that a person's joints move beyond the normal range of motion. While some people are naturally flexible, EDS-related hypermobility is different because it comes from weakened connective tissues.
This weakness leads to:
Joint instability
Frequent injuries
Poor alignment
Difficulty maintaining posture
Muscle overuse
People with EDS often rely on their muscles to stabilize their joints, which can cause constant soreness or fatigue. With the right EDS treatment, physical therapists help strengthen and support the body so joints can move safely.
Common Symptoms of Joint Hypermobility in EDS
Not everyone with EDS experiences the same symptoms, but many people share similar challenges. Some of the most common include:
1. Frequent Sprains and Strains
Because joints move too far, ligaments and muscles are at higher risk of injury. EDS treatment focuses on improving joint support to reduce these injuries.
2. Joint Pain
Pain often develops when joints slip, move incorrectly, or become inflamed. This pain can worsen with activity or after long periods of sitting or standing.
3. Muscle Weakness
Muscles work extra hard to compensate for unstable joints. Over time, this leads to fatigue, tension, and weakness.
4. Poor Balance or Coordination
Unstable joints can affect balance, making everyday movements feel unpredictable.
5. Dislocations or Subluxations
A dislocation occurs when a joint fully slips out of place, while a subluxation happens when it partially slips out. These are common in EDS and require gentle, controlled EDS treatment to manage safely.
6. Difficulty with Certain Movements
Activities like running, jumping, or climbing stairs may feel painful or risky due to joint instability.
Why Physical Therapy Is Essential for EDS
There is no cure for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but physical therapy is one of the most effective forms of EDS treatment. Instead of trying to “fix” the joints, physical therapists focus on strengthening the muscles around them to provide better support.
At New Moon Physiotherapy, our EDS-focused care includes:
Strength training to stabilize joints
Gentle mobility exercises to improve movement
Posture correction to reduce strain
Balance training to improve control
Breathing techniques to reduce tension
Education to help manage symptoms at home
A personalized EDS treatment program helps patients feel stronger, safer, and more confident in their daily lives.
For people with EDS, building strength is one of the most important ways to protect the joints. When muscles are stronger, they act like supportive “braces” around unstable joints.
Strength-focused EDS treatment includes:
Low-impact exercises
Core strengthening
Hip and shoulder stabilization
Gradual resistance training
Controlled movements that reduce joint stress
Your therapist will make sure exercises are safe, slow, and adapted to your comfort level. Over time, this makes movement easier and reduces pain.
Improving Proprioception
Proprioception is your body's ability to sense where it is in space. People with EDS often struggle with proprioception because their joints move unpredictably.
Physical therapy uses proprioceptive training—such as balance activities, joint positioning exercises, and light resistance—to help retrain the nervous system. This type of EDS treatment reduces the likelihood of injuries and improves stability.
The Importance of Good Posture
Poor posture can worsen joint hypermobility symptoms. When the body is out of alignment, hypermobile joints must work even harder to support movement.
Your physical therapist will teach you:
How to sit correctly
How to stand with proper alignment
How to move without overstretching
How to adjust workstations or daily habits
Small posture changes can significantly reduce pain and fatigue, making posture training a key part of EDS treatment.
Pain Management for EDS
Pain is a common challenge for people with joint hypermobility, but it can be managed with the right approach. Physical therapists use several techniques to reduce pain, including:
Manual therapy
Soft tissue work
Gentle stretching
Core stabilization
Dry needling (when appropriate)
Heat or cold therapy
Pain management is an essential part of EDS treatment, helping patients stay active and involved in their everyday routines.
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Hypermobility
Along with physical therapy, there are many ways people with EDS can support their joints at home. These include:
Avoiding extreme stretching
Using supportive footwear
Taking movement breaks during long tasks
Strengthening core and hip muscles regularly
Using braces or supports when recommended
Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet
Your therapist at New Moon Physiotherapy will guide you in building healthy habits that support your EDS treatment plan.
Take Control of Your Joint Health with New Moon Physiotherapy
Living with joint hypermobility from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the right EDS treatment, you can build strength, improve stability, and reduce pain—helping you live a more active and confident life. At New Moon Physiotherapy, our team is here to support you every step of the way with personalized care designed for your unique needs.
If you’re ready to get started, call us today at (443) 653-2904 and schedule your appointment. Stronger, safer movement is possible—and we’re here to help you achieve it.