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Physical Therapy Clinic in New York City

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Mike Earl
Physical Therapy Clinic in New York City

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Physical therapy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a great way to help a person recover from the disorder. In addition to physical therapy, there are many other treatments that can help the patient. This article focuses on some of these treatment options.

Symptoms

Physical therapy is a key component in treating Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) or Hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). A physical therapist will create a treatment plan based on your individual symptoms. It may include joint mobilization, muscle stimulation, passive treatments, traction, and ice/heat packs.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a disorder that affects the blood vessels, skin, bones, and joints of the body. The disease is caused by abnormalities in the collagen proteins that form the structure of connective tissue. If left untreated, the disorder can lead to dangerous complications.

Although there is no cure, a physical therapist can help you control the condition's symptoms. He or she can also provide you with information and support. Managing the symptoms of EDS can help you live a better and more comfortable life.

Most people with EDS experience pain and discomfort in their joints and muscles. These symptoms can interfere with your daily activities, and you may need to alter your lifestyle. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair joints that have been damaged repeatedly by dislocation.

Diagnosis

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that affects the collagen in the body. It causes joints to be extremely loose, which can cause instability, chronic pain, and early-onset arthritis. Fortunately, there are treatments to help people with the condition live fuller, more active lives.

Typically, physical therapy is an essential part of treating hypermobility-related disorders. It can prevent injury, relieve pain, and provide therapeutic benefits for patients. The first line of treatment is to strengthen the muscles that support the joint. Physical therapists may prescribe exercises and biofeedback to help patients manage their symptoms. They can also recommend braces to stabilize the joints.

Patients can have symptoms that vary depending on the type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome they have. Some types of diseases can be severe and life-threatening.

If a patient experiences frequent bruising, low blood pressure, or slow healing time after surgery, they might have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Another sign that a person has EDS is a skin texture that is smooth and atrophy after wound healing.

Treatment options

Physical therapy is a non-surgical treatment option that can alleviate pain and improve the stability of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) patients. Physical therapy teaches people how to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability.

A physical therapist can design a customized treatment plan for your specific needs. Exercises to strengthen muscles are a primary treatment for EDS.

Other treatments include pain management and bone-marrow stem-cell injections. Injections may be used to reduce inflammation or repair damaged joints.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a disorder of collagen, the substance that provides strength and flexibility to many body structures. People with EDS have poor collagen strength resulting in hypermobility, and loose, flexible joints.

People with hypermobility often suffer from chronic pain. It can also lead to injury. Joint dislocations occur frequently and can overstretch the skin, causing scarring.

Because joint instability can lead to injuries and even recurring dislocations physical therapy focuses on improving control and stabilization. Typical community-based treatments may not be effective for EDS patients.

Case report

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of connective tissue disorders characterized by collagen-based abnormalities in the extracellular matrix. These abnormalities are believed to be caused by genetic defects in collagen synthesis and metabolism. The most common manifestations of EDS are hypermobility of the joints, joint weakness, and chronic pain. Symptoms of EDS overlap with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta.

In this case report, we present the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges faced by a 31-year-old male with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Our patient had recently undergone a concussion without a loss of consciousness and exhibited numerous symptoms of hyperextensibility before the injury. He also had previously suffered multiple dislocations.

After the concussion, the patient complained of continued post-concussive symptoms, including fatigue and headaches. He experienced increased pain in his lower extremities, along with progressive weakness in both his left and right limbs.

As the patient progressed, he began to experience severe depression. He was referred to a general practitioner, who initiated a medication review. Several consultations, including a physical therapy (PT) program, were conducted.



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