Myotherapy for Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders & Ehlers danlos syndrome (EDS)

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.

• Massage Therapy: Massage therapy, a cornerstone of myotherapy, aids in muscle relaxation, improved circulation, and pain reduction. It effectively eases joint stiffness and enhances mobility, crucial for individuals with HSD.
• Myofascial Release: Myofascial release techniques involve applying sustained pressure to the connective tissue surrounding muscles, facilitating tension release and enhancing flexibility in joints and muscles. Usually this sort of intervention is avoided however in these conditions since joint flexibility is already excessive. 
• Trigger Point Therapy: By targeting specific muscle points, trigger point therapy releases tension and alleviates pain, particularly beneficial for those experiencing muscle stiffness and tension associated with HSD.
• Dry Needling: Dry needling, through the insertion of thin needles into muscles, effectively releases tension and promotes circulation. This technique proves invaluable for individuals with HSD experiencing muscle spasms and tension since it also has minimal lengthening effects on the supporting tissues and therefore avoids detracting from joint stability.
• Exercise Therapy: This is one of the more necessary and effective interventions for Hypermobile conditions in the long term. Promoting both targeted and global joint stability and control via the coordinated and intrinsic muscular systems is paramount for the overall resilience of the joint, connective and also muscular tissues, which otherwise are over stressed from uncontrolled compensation strategies.

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. ​