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Hypermobility is when joints have an unusually wide range of motion. While hypermobility itself may not cause pain, it can increase the risk of injuries. Strengthening the surrounding muscles and ligaments is crucial to protect and stabilize these flexible joints. Patients with hypermobility often experience widespread joint pain, clicking, and popping in multiple joints, as well as symptoms like sleep problems, TMJ/TMD, and head and neck discomfort. We have expertise in working with hypermobile patients, including those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare and complex genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissues, such as skin, joints, and blood vessels. People with EDS often experience hypermobility of joints, skin that is unusually stretchy or fragile, and a range of other symptoms that can vary in severity.
We use tools like the Beighton Scale of Systemic Hypermobility, which assesses the flexibility of various joints in the body. If you score 4 or more on this scale, you may be considered a hypermobile. Our physical therapists also evaluate your joint range of motion to determine if you have above-average flexibility. Many EDS patients score 9/9 on this scale, highlighting the importance of our specialized care.”
Many people live with hypermobility and can manage their life without a problem but others it may be more debilitating. The different types of EDS are caused by faults in certain genes that make connective tissue weaker
Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) are primarily genetic conditions. These conditions are often inherited and result from a defect in the genes responsible for producing collagen, a key component of connective tissues in the body. Collagen provides strength and stability to joints, skin, and various organs. When these genes are altered or mutated, it can lead to weaker, more flexible connective tissues, resulting in hypermobility and EDS. It’s important to recognize that while genetics play a central role, the severity and specific symptoms of these conditions can vary widely among individuals.
How do we treat Hypermobility and EDS?
At Hobson Institute, our experienced therapists employ a systematic approach to address hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). We assess hypermobility using the Beighton Scale, which is often common among our patients, especially those with head, neck, and TMJ/TMD issues. While we cannot diagnose EDS, we create tailored exercise programs to strengthen muscles and stabilize hypermobile joints, reducing the risk of injury.
Our approach emphasizes teaching individuals how to maintain a mid-range of joint movement to avoid vulnerability and strain associated with end-range movements. Many of our head and neck patients are hypermobile, leading to poor posture, jaw clenching, and grinding, resulting in pain and dysfunction.
Our craniofacial therapists take a holistic approach, addressing the body from feet to head. We provide pain relief through manual therapy, realignment of the pelvis and spine, dry needling for myofascial trigger points, gentle core stabilization exercises, and Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) techniques. We understand the need for gentler approaches, as aggressive exercise can exacerbate pain for EDS and hypermobile patients.
We have a longstanding collaboration with Dr. Bradley Tinkle, an EDS specialist in Indianapolis, IN, who often refers patients to us due to our expertise in airway, TMJ, and head and neck dysfunction. Dr. Tinkle recommends physical therapy and dry needling to alleviate muscle pain and tension in EDS patients.
EDS is a group of disorders that weaken the connective tissues that support skin, blood vessels, bones, and other organs.
Most patients with EDS have hypermobility in their joints — meaning that their joints move past what is possible for those without the disorder. Patients with EDS also have soft, velvety skin, which is very stretchy and easily damaged. Patients may also bruise easily. Some forms of EDS can cause heart problems.
EDS is a rare disease, affecting about 1 in 5,000 people, though some forms of the disease are rarer.
Read about patient stories and experiences in the columns “Black and Blue Ribbons” by Karen Del Vecchio and “Unbreakable” by Kimberly Stark Horn.
No, EDS is not contagious.
Yes, EDS can be inherited, though some cases occur because of new mutations (that is, patients may have no family history of the disease).
Contact us to make an appointment with one of our clinicians today.
