How to Protect Your Joints with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) often means paying closer attention to your joints. EDS is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that can affect the strength and elasticity of collagen, a protein that helps support the skin, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues throughout the body. As a result, many people with EDS experience joint hypermobility, meaning their joints move beyond the typical range of motion.
While every person with EDS has a unique experience, taking steps to protect your joints can help support healthy movement and make everyday activities more comfortable.
Focus on Stability, Not Flexibility
For many people, stretching is considered an important part of staying active. However, individuals with EDS often have more flexibility than they need. In some cases, excessive stretching can place additional stress on already mobile joints.
Instead, many healthcare professionals recommend focusing on stability. Strengthening the muscles around the joints helps provide additional support and may improve balance and coordination. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or exercises recommended by a qualified healthcare provider are often good options for maintaining movement while minimizing unnecessary stress.
Paying attention to posture throughout the day can also make a difference. Whether you’re sitting at a desk, standing in the kitchen, or lifting groceries, good body mechanics help distribute forces more evenly across the joints.
Listen to What Your Body Is Telling You
One of the challenges of EDS is that joints may move farther than they should without immediately causing pain. But eventually, that repeated strain can turn into discomfort and instability.
Learning to recognize your body’s signals is an important part of protecting your joints. That can mean taking breaks during repetitive actions and avoiding certain positions that place stress on your joints. It’s also important to know that certain exercises could be counterproductive for people with EDS.
In cases of EDS, Dr. Brendan Shanahan and Dr. Thomas Madiagn always recommend thinking about long-term joint health before you do anything and never pushing through discomfort. Even small adjustments to your daily habits can add up over time and support more comfortable movement.
If you have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or suspect you may have it, it’s important to let your chiropractor know so your care can be tailored to your individual needs. A full evaluation will also help us get a sense of your spine and joint movement before beginning adjustments.
Supporting Healthy Movement
There is no cure for Ehlers-Danlos, including chiropractic care, but the key to managing it is supporting joint health and mobility. Since EDS relates to connective tissue, the way every person responds is different, and care should always be individualized. That’s why chiropractic adjustments are always done after careful evaluation of each person and their levels of joint stability and symptoms.
At Vitality Precision Chiropractic, we’re committed to helping you move with greater confidence and comfort. Dr. Thomas Madigan, Dr. Brendan Shanahan and our team provide personalized chiropractic care designed to support healthy movement and spinal function. If you’re looking for guidance on maintaining joint health, contact our office today to schedule a visit.