Friends are amazed by your party tricks. You can touch your palms to the floor without bending your knees. You can bend your thumb back to touch your wrist, and you can hyperextend your elbows in ways that make others cringe. You are the envy of the yoga practitioners around you.
But behind the “wow, you’re so flexible” comment lies a reality that others don’t see: chronic pain, constant joint instability, and the exhausting effort it takes just to hold your body together each day.
If you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorder, you may know the frustration of being told “just strengthen your core.” You may have had well-meaning practitioners push your joints past their already excessive range. You may be tired of being treated like a typical orthopedic patient when your body operates by completely different rules.
EDS patients have unique needs. The “standard playbook” of traditional physical therapy exercises often cause more pain, because YOUR body’s playbook is written in a different language. Even with the best intentions, physical therapists, chiropractors, physicians, and trainers who are not knowledgeable about EDS may cause their patients more pain or even injury.
Recently, I have been recognized as an Expert in EDS by The International Consortium on Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Steering Committee. I also have the privilege of working alongside some of the nation’s leading experts in EDS at Bethesda Physiocare, a nationally recognized EDS Center of Excellence.
Living with EDS can feel isolating, especially when “looking good” doesn’t always equate to “feeling good.” At New Moon Physiotherapy, I know you’re not being dramatic when you say a “simple” adjustment left you feeling worse for weeks. I understand you are not “lazy” just because you need more recovery time than others. You may suffer from POTS, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) or any number of co-morbidities that cause you to require more rest.
Instead of pushing you into painful positions or overwhelming you with generic exercises, we’ll work safely within your body’s actual capabilities. Every movement we practice has a purpose: teaching your nervous system how to create stability without relying on end-range positioning.
I understand that EDS isn’t just physical. The psychological toll of living with chronic pain and constant injury risk is real. Part of our work together involves helping you develop confidence in your body again.
Traditional PT often focuses on increasing strength and range of motion, without regard for the patient’s diagnosis. This often equates to a hypermobile person being injured by a well-meaning practitioner.
At New Moon Physiotherapy, I use the latest evidence- based treatment techniques to focus on motor control, stability, proprioception, and pain management. I have a healthy respect for fragile connective tissue and joint laxity.
EDS affects multiple body systems and presents differently in every individual. Traditional physical therapy approaches can sometimes worsen symptoms if hypermobility and tissue fragility are not properly considered.
Therapists with EDS expertise understand how to:
I know you’re scared. Exercise is essential if you have hypermobile EDS. Tailored, supervised movement, often in closed-chain patterns, is essential for long-term management.
Absolutely. I integrate graded exercise programs to help manage your heart rate and improve exercise tolerance. I also focus on strategies to support your nervous system, and understand if you are in need of a quiet space with dim lighting.
I am a member of the Ehlers-Danlos Society as well as Dysautonomia International.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a complex connective tissue disorder that often requires specialized evaluation and treatment. Many physical therapists who have advanced training and extensive experience treating EDS patients do not participate with insurance networks.
Choosing an out-of-network provider allows you to access a therapist with expertise in hypermobility, joint instability, chronic pain, autonomic dysfunction, and movement retraining specific to EDS.
Not necessarily! While the upfront cost per visit may be higher, specialized care often results in more effective treatment, fewer unnecessary visits, and better long-term outcomes.
Patients frequently spend less overall when they receive targeted treatment from a provider who understands the unique challenges of EDS.
Unfortunately, many of my hypermobile patients seek care after being injured at a physical therapy clinic that was not versed in EDS treatment.
A therapist experienced in EDS can help identify the root causes of symptoms and create an individualized treatment plan. This can reduce:
Specialized EDS physical therapy is a worthwhile investment. The goal is not simply symptom management for today, it's improving long-term function, reducing injury risk, increasing independence, and helping you participate more fully in work, school, exercise, and daily life.
Investing in specialized care can lead to better outcomes, fewer setbacks, and lower overall healthcare costs over time.
Many patients find that specialized treatment is more efficient because sessions are highly individualized and focused on long-term self-management strategies.
Rather than relying on frequent ongoing treatment, the goal is to build skills and strength that help you manage symptoms independently.
Many insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits.
Depending on your plan, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement after your visit. New Moon Physiotherapy can provide a detailed receipt (superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Insurance reimbursement rates often do not reflect the time, expertise, and complexity involved in treating EDS.
Out-of-network providers can spend more time with patients, perform comprehensive evaluations, and develop highly individualized treatment plans without the restrictions commonly imposed by insurance contracts.
You may benefit from specialized out-of-network care if you:
My patients find that the expertise, individualized attention, and long-term results of specialized EDS physical therapy outweigh the difference in upfront cost of an out-of-network provider.
Let’s work together to create an individualized Physical Therapy treatment plan that honors your body’s unique needs. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Noelle, a compassionate EDS physical therapist and local favorite in the Baltimore and Mid-Atlantic region, call New Moon Physiotherapy at 443-653-2904.
For a quicker response time, please fill out an online contact form. You’re not broken. Let’s work together so you can thrive with the bendy body you have. I can’t wait to meet you!
A Proud Member of the Ehlers-Danlos Society.
