 If you've spent any time reading about hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), you've probably heard it described as a connective tissue disorder. The usual explanation is that the body's connective tissues are built a little differently, leading to more flexible joints, frequent injuries, chronic pain and instability. But many people living with hEDS know that's only part of the story. What about the dizziness? The fatigue? The brain fog? The gut problems? The allergies, mast cell issues, POTS, slow recovery from illness, and the way symptoms seem to flare after stress or infection? A recently published research paper has taken an interesting step towards answering that question. Before we dive in, it's important to say that this blog is not my opinion or interpretation of the science. It's simply my attempt to translate a fascinating research paper into everyday English. If you'd like to read the original study yourself, you can find it here. Now, let's unpack what the researchers actually found. So... what did they do? Rather than looking at people's genes, the researchers looked at the proteins circulating in their blood. Think of it like this: Your genes are the recipe book. Proteins are what your body is actually cooking today. By measuring these proteins, researchers can get a snapshot of what systems in the body are active and how they're behaving. The study compared blood samples from women with hypermobile EDS to women without hEDS. What surprised the researchers? They expected to find lots of differences in proteins related to connective tissue. Instead... Most of the differences they found were related to the immune system. Many of the altered proteins were involved in:
Only one of the significantly different proteins was directly related to connective tissue itself. That doesn't mean connective tissue isn't important in hEDS. It simply suggests that there may be much more happening throughout the body than we've previously appreciated. Why is that exciting? If you've ever felt like your symptoms don't fit neatly into the "loose joints" explanation, you're certainly not alone. Many people with hEDS also experience conditions like:
For years, researchers have recognised these conditions often occur together, but they've struggled to explain why. This study suggests that changes in the immune system may be one piece of that puzzle. It's important to be clear here: the researchers are not saying that hEDS is an autoimmune disease, nor are they saying the immune system causes hEDS. They're saying they found measurable differences in immune-related proteins that deserve further investigation. That's a very different statement—and a much more scientifically responsible one. Does this explain why symptoms flare? Possibly. The researchers also found changes in pathways involved in inflammation and the body's response to stress. Many people with hEDS describe becoming significantly more symptomatic after things like:
What doesn't this study prove? Good science is just as much about recognising what we don't know as what we do know. This research does not prove that:
People with hypermobile EDS appear to have a distinct pattern of proteins circulating in their blood, particularly involving immune and inflammatory pathways. That's an important finding, but it's only one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Why I think this research matters One of the things I love most about chronic pain research is watching the picture become more complete over time. For many years, hypermobile EDS was viewed largely through the lens of joints and connective tissue. Studies like this remind us that our bodies are incredibly interconnected. The immune system, nervous system, connective tissue, blood vessels and inflammatory pathways all influence one another. Looking at hEDS as a whole-body condition may help researchers better understand why people experience such a wide variety of symptoms. As someone who works with many people living with hypermobility and persistent pain, I find that encouraging. It doesn't give us all the answers. But it does suggest that researchers are asking better questions. And that's often where real progress begins. Want to discuss this research with a therapist who is experienced in treating hypermobility, EDS and associated conditions? Book with Mel or Sarah, we'll be more than happy to discuss what we know during your treatment. Reference:
Molly Griggs, et al. Proteomic discoveries in hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome reveal insights into disease pathophysiology, ImmunoHorizons, Volume 9, Issue 10, October 2025, vlaf044, https://doi.org/10.1093/immhor/vlaf044 By Dr Sarah Varmalis, Senior Osteopath Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic conditions that affect the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue is what gives structure and support to things like ligaments, skin, blood vessels, and even internal organs. It’s essentially the “scaffolding” that holds everything together. In people with EDS, this connective tissue is more elastic and less supportive than usual. This often shows up as joints that move more than they should (sometimes called hypermobility), skin that may be more stretchy or fragile, and a tendency toward injuries like sprains, dislocations, or ongoing aches and pains. But EDS isn’t just about being “flexible.” Because connective tissue exists throughout the entire body, it can affect multiple systems. This means people may experience a wide range of symptoms; from joint pain and fatigue, to digestive issues, dizziness, or difficulty regulating energy levels. It can look very different from one person to another, which is part of why it’s often misunderstood or missed early on.  Learning More and Getting Diagnosed For those wanting to better understand Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, ‘The Ehlers-Danlos Society’ is one of the most trusted resources available. They provide up-to-date information on the different types of EDS, as well as guidance around diagnosis and management. The current diagnostic criteria (particularly for hypermobile EDS (hEDS)) can be found here: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/heds-diagnostic-checklist/ Diagnosis is not always straightforward. It typically involves a combination of medical history, physical assessment (including joint hypermobility), and ruling out other conditions. For many people, the process can take years. EDS also rarely exists in isolation. Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, it’s common to see overlap with other conditions and symptoms, including:
 An Osteopathic Approach to Ehler-Danlos Living with a condition like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or ongoing chronic pain can feel confusing, frustrating, and at times, overwhelming. Many people go years trying different treatments, often being told that everything looks “normal” despite still feeling far from it. From an osteopathic perspective, the focus shifts away from chasing symptoms and toward understanding how the whole body is functioning and more importantly, where it’s struggling to adapt. What’s Actually Going On? Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue condition. In simple terms, the “glue” that holds the body together; ligaments, fascia, blood vessels, even organs have a different structure. This often leads to increased flexibility, but that flexibility comes at a cost: reduced stability. Over time, the body works harder to compensate. Muscles overwork, joints become irritated, and the nervous system becomes more sensitive. This is where chronic pain can start to take hold. But here’s the key thing; pain in these conditions isn’t just about joints being “loose.” It’s about how multiple systems in the body are interacting and, in many cases, becoming overloaded. Why Traditional Approaches Don’t Always Work A lot of treatments focus purely on strengthening or stabilising joints. While that can absolutely be helpful, it often doesn’t address the full picture. In people with EDS or persistent pain, there are often underlying drivers such as:
A Different Way of Looking at the Body Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach. Rather than asking “where does it hurt?”, the question becomes “why is the body under strain in the first place?” Two techniques that are particularly useful in these cases are:
Counterstrain: Calming the Nervous System Counterstrain is a technique that focuses on tender points in the body, small areas that reflect dysfunction in muscles, nerves, blood vessels, or organs. Rather than stretching or pushing into pain, the body is placed into positions of ease. These positions are held briefly, allowing the nervous system to “reset” its perception of that area. In patients with EDS or chronic pain, this can be incredibly powerful. Why? Because the nervous system is often running in a heightened, protective state. Counterstrain helps reduce that sensitivity, allowing muscles to relax and improving how the body coordinates movement. A key part of this process is the cranial scan. By gently assessing points along the skull, practitioners can identify which systems in the body are under strain—whether that’s vascular, neurological, or visceral. It becomes a roadmap for treatment, rather than guessing where to start. The Barral Approach: Supporting the Organs When people think about pain, they rarely think about organs but they should. The Barral approach (often called visceral manipulation) looks at how organs move and interact with surrounding structures. Each organ has its own natural rhythm and mobility. When that movement is restricted, it can create tension patterns throughout the body. For example:
In EDS and chronic pain conditions, these subtle restrictions can play a much bigger role than expected. By gently improving how these structures move, the body often finds it easier to settle, stabilise, and function more efficiently. Why Gentle Treatment Matters One of the biggest misconceptions is that stronger or more forceful treatment leads to better results. In reality, for people with EDS or heightened pain sensitivity, the opposite is often true. The body responds best to:
Both Counterstrain and the Barral approach respect this. They work under the body’s tolerance, rather than pushing past it. What Patients Often Notice While every person is different, common changes patients report include:
Importantly, progress is usually gradual and layered—because the body is unwinding patterns that have often been there for years. The Bigger Picture Managing Ehlers-Danlos and chronic pain isn’t about finding a single “fix.” It’s about helping the body become more adaptable, more efficient, and less reactive over time. Osteopathy, particularly when using approaches like Counterstrain and Barral, offers a way to support that process gently and intelligently. It’s not about forcing the body into place—it’s about giving it the space and input it needs to find a better way of functioning. By Duke Autret, Myotherapist Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) present unique challenges for individuals due to their impact on connective tissues, resulting in increased flexibility and susceptibility to joint pain and instability. While HSD is considered less severe than EDS, it still significantly affects the quality of life for those affected. Myotherapy emerges as a valuable approach to managing the symptoms of both conditions, offering relief and improved functionality.  Understanding the Connections between HSD and EDS
The broad umbrella encompassing both of these conditions is called Hereditary Connective Tissue Disorders (HCTD). Both HSD and EDS share numerous symptoms, but they also exhibit critical distinctions. HSD encompasses individuals with hypermobility who don't meet the criteria for an EDS diagnosis. EDS, on the other hand, is a genetic connective tissue disorder with the possibility of also affecting the skin, joints, and blood vessels and even heart. Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) present unique challenges for individuals due to their impact on connective tissues, resulting in increased flexibility and susceptibility to joint pain and instability. The exact causation of these conditions remains elusive, though it's believed to stem from a blend of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. While some may inherit a susceptibility from genetics, others may develop it due to joint injury or overuse. HCTD manifests primarily with joint pain, stiffness, and instability. Additional symptoms include fatigue, digestive issues, headaches, and challenges with balance and coordination. Myotherapy Interventions for Managing HSD Myotherapy serves as an effective approach in alleviating the symptoms of HSD, offering tailored techniques to address joint pain, muscle stiffness, and fatigue while promoting overall well-being.
Embracing Relief through Myotherapy Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder poses a myriad of musculoskeletal challenges, impacting joint stability, and inducing pain and discomfort. Myotherapy can be a helpful treatment avenue, offering a range of techniques tailored to manage symptoms effectively and support long term stability through exercise. If you're grappling with HSD, consider integrating myotherapy into your treatment regimen to embark on a journey toward an improved quality of life. All of our therapists can help you with hypermobility related symptoms, and booking online is quick and easy to begin your treatment. Simple Wellness Myotherapy is located at Shop 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville VIC 3178. Additionally, you can contact us on (03) 8204 0970 to arrange an appointment today. |
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Mel Simon (Senior Clinical Myotherapist) and Dr Sarah Varmalis (Senior Osteo) are available 7 days a week at our Boronia clinic. Archives
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