Using Physical Therapy to Treat the Joint Hypermobility of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is an inherited disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body by weakening those tissues. EDS most typically affects the joints, skin, and blood vessels with symptoms such as loose, overly-flexible joints; stretchy, easily-bruised skin; abnormal wound healing and scar formation; and small, fragile blood vessels. Some form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome affects approximately one in every 5000 individuals, forms that range from mild to life-threatening. All forms of EDS affect the joints, causing hypermobility, or joints that extend beyond the normal range of motion.
Management
Although no cure currently exists for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, patients can successfully manage the disorder and its symptoms. Joint hypermobility is best managed through the use of exercise and physical therapy. However, because overly-flexible joints are easily hyperextended or otherwise injured, individuals with EDS must take extra precautions to avoid injury. High-impact activities that place extra pressure on the joints such as weightlifting should be avoided, as should activities that place pressure on locked joints. Patients with joint hypermobility problems should even avoid activities like bowling, which involves lifting heavy bowling balls and locking the elbow and shoulder joints. The best exercises for patients affected by EDS are low-impact muscle-strengthening activities because stronger muscles control and prevent the hyperextension of joints.
Physical Therapy
Because no two patients experience the symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in exactly the same way, individuals with EDS benefit most from exercise programs to manage joint hypermobility designed for their specific needs. Before beginning any exercise program, patients should first consult with their doctor. Along with a general physical or joint specialist, a physical therapist can help EDS patients develop an exercise program that strengthens the muscles that control joints through low-impact activities. Instead of using weights that could cause joint strain or hyperextension, physical therapists will often advise patients to use elastic exercise bands for resistance. For patients who find exercises with joint movement painful, exercise activities known as isometrics strengthen muscles without joint movement. For more information on physically therapy or specific muscle strengthening exercises, please refer to the American Physical Therapy Association website at https://www.apta.org/.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic (2009). “Exercise as treatment for arthritis.” Retrieved February 5, 2009, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/rheumatology_immunology/treatment/arthritis_exercise.aspx
- Mayo Clinic Staff (April 2008). “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Definition.” Retrieved February 5, 2009, from https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/DS00706
- Mayo Clinic Staff (April 2008). “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Lifestyle and home remedies.” Retrieved February 5, 2009, https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/DS00706/DSECTION=lifestyle-and-home-remedies
- Medline Plus (September 2008). “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.” Retrieved February 5, 2009, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ehlersdanlossyndrome.html
- University of Washington (February 2005). “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Management and treatment.” Retrieved February 5, 2009, from https://www.orthop.washington.edu/uw/tabID__3376/ItemID__32/mid__10313/PageID__7/Articles/Default.aspx
- University of Washington (April 2005). “Exercise and arthritis: Getting started.” Retrieved February 5, 2009, from https://www.orthop.washington.edu/uw/livingwith/tabID__3376/ItemID__83/PageID__86/Articles/Default.aspx
- University of Washington (April 2005). “Exercise and arthritis: Strengthening exercises.” Retrieved February 5, 2009, from https://www.orthop.washington.edu/uw/livingwith/tabID__3376/ItemID__83/PageID__88/Articles/Default.aspx
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