Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that affect collagen, the protein that provides structure and stability to skin, joints, ligaments, and organs. One of the most common types is Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), which often presents with joint instability, chronic pain, recurrent injuries, and fatigue.
At Trilogy Physiotherapy in Sinnamon Park, we regularly support individuals with EDS, hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and chronic pain conditions. Our role is to help improve stability, reduce pain, and give you confidence in daily movement.
What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
EDS is an inherited connective tissue condition characterised by:
- Excessive joint hypermobility
- Soft or stretchy skin
- Tissue fragility
- Frequent sprains, subluxations, or dislocations
- Gastrointestinal or autonomic symptoms (in some cases)
The most common form impacting movement is hEDS, which is diagnosed clinically based on joint hypermobility and a combination of systemic features.
People with EDS often describe feeling “unstable,” “weak,” “easily injured,” or “always sore,” even during gentle daily tasks.
Common Symptoms We See in Physiotherapy
Each person with EDS is different, but common presentations include:
1. Joint Instability and Recurrent Injuries
Frequent sprains, strains, and subluxations, even with light activity or everyday movements.
2. Chronic Pain
Muscle fatigue and joint overload can cause persistent pain in the neck, back, hips, shoulders, and knees.
3. Poor Proprioception and Balance
People with hypermobility often have reduced joint awareness, contributing to injury risk.
4. Muscle Weakness and Fatigue
Because ligaments provide less structural support, the muscles must work twice as hard to stabilise joints.
5. Postural Difficulties
EDS can contribute to postural challenges due to reduced joint control and muscular endurance.
How Physiotherapy Helps People with EDS
There is strong evidence that physiotherapy is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for EDS and HSD.
Physiotherapy treatment may include:
1. Strengthening & Stability Training
Research shows strengthening surrounding muscle groups improves joint stability and reduces pain (Kemp et al., 2010).
We focus on:
- Hips and pelvic stability
- Scapular and shoulder control
- Deep neck flexor and trunk control
- Lower limb strengthening
- Closed-chain control exercises
Progression is slow, controlled, and highly individualised.
2. Proprioception & Motor Control Training
Balance and coordination exercises help retrain joint awareness, reducing the likelihood of sprains and subluxations (Sahin et al., 2008).
3. Pain Management Strategies
Gentle manual therapy, pacing strategies, graded exposure, and breath-work techniques can help manage chronic pain.
4. Exercise Prescription That Avoids Overstretching
Many individuals with EDS love stretching, but excessive stretching can worsen instability. We teach safe mobility exercises that protect the joint.
5. Functional Movement Training
Improving control during daily activities reduces fatigue and builds confidence.
6. Education & Self-Management
Understanding your condition is key.
We help with:
- How to avoid joint overloading
- How to pace activity
- Safe strengthening progressions
- Understanding flare-ups
- When to use supports or taping
Physiotherapy for Teens & Children with EDS
EDS often appears during childhood, especially when physical activity increases.
Our physiotherapist Palada, who treats children from newborns and up, provides:
- Early screening
- Developmental strengthening
- Postural training
- Coordination practice
- Fun, engaging exercises to improve motor control
This ensures safe, supported development while reducing injury risk.
What to Expect at Trilogy Physiotherapy
During your initial appointment, we will:
- Complete a detailed assessment of your joint stability
- Identify movement patterns contributing to pain
- Develop a personalised, long-term strengthening plan
- Provide strategies to manage flare-ups
- Work with your GP or specialist where needed
We understand the challenges of EDS and we take a gentle, supportive, and progressive approach to movement.
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should book an appointment if you:
- Experience frequent sprains or joint instability
- Feel constant fatigue or muscle soreness
- Have difficulty building strength despite exercise
- See signs of hypermobility in your child
- Live with chronic pain that affects daily activities
- Experience recurrent subluxations or dislocations
Early support leads to better long-term management.
Final Thoughts
EDS is lifelong, but the symptoms can be managed effectively with targeted physiotherapy. Our goal at Trilogy Physiotherapy is to help you move with confidence, reduce pain, and support long-term wellbeing through structured strengthening and personalised care. Click here to book now!
References
Kemp, S., Roberts, I., & Gamble, C. (2010). Physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions for people with hypermobility syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1).
Sahin, N., Baskent, A., Cakmak, A., & Karan, A. (2008). Evaluation of proprioception in patients with benign joint hypermobility syndrome. Rheumatology International, 28(10), 995–1000.
Malfait, F., Francomano, C., Byers, P., et al. (2017). The 2017 international classification of the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C, 175(1), 8–26.
Castori, M., Hakim, A., & Grahame, R. (2014). Hypermobility Syndrome and EDS: An update. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C, 166(1), 1–29.
Read more….
To learn more about Hypermobility and Joint Pain: How Physiotherapy Can Help, check out our page HERE
To learn more about How Physiotherapy Supports NDIS participants in Brisbane check out our blog HERE
To learn more about Children’s Physiotherapy, check out our page HERE