Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Validating Care for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes

Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) can be an incredibly challenging journey, often filled with misdiagnoses and misunderstood symptoms. EDS is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that affect everything from your skin and joints to your blood vessels and internal organs. The hallmark of most types is joint hypermobility, but the condition is far more complex than that.

At Velca, we provide a safe, knowledgeable, and collaborative environment for managing the musculoskeletal component of your EDS symptoms. We see you, we hear you, and we understand that your needs are unique. Our team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists works together to help you improve your quality of life, manage your pain, and feel more in control of your body.

Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes

EDS is caused by faults in the structure or processing of collagen, the "glue" that holds your body together. This can lead to a wide and varying range of symptoms, including:

  • Significant joint hypermobility, with frequent and painful subluxations or dislocations.

  • Soft, fragile skin that may bruise or tear easily.

  • Chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and debilitating fatigue.

  • Autonomic dysfunction, such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), causing dizziness and fainting.

  • Gastrointestinal problems and other systemic issues.

Our Integrated & Compassionate EDS Management Plan

Effective EDS management requires a multi-faceted approach that respects the fragility of your body's tissues. Our practitioners are educated in the specific needs of the EDS population and collaborate on your care.

  • Physiotherapy: Your Stability Specialist Physiotherapy is essential for managing EDS. Our physios act as your guide, helping you build a robust yet gentle program focused on stability and control, not flexibility. We utilise evidence-based protocols like the Muldowney Protocol and focus on:

    • Safe, progressive strengthening to create "muscular armour" around unstable joints.

    • Proprioceptive training to enhance your brain's awareness of where your joints are in space.

    • Pain education and management, including strategies for bracing, pacing, and preventing injury.

  • Chiropractic: Gentle Neuromusculoskeletal Support Our chiropractors approach EDS with the utmost care. They do not perform traditional high-velocity adjustments on hypermobile joints. Instead, they focus on:

    • Using very gentle, low-force techniques (like instrument-assisted adjustments or mobilisation) to address fixated joints that may be causing compensatory pain. Each person with EDS is unique, and we tailor our approach to you.

    • Improving nervous system regulation to help with pain signalling and autonomic function.

    • Working on cranio-cervical stability where appropriate.

  • Massage Therapy: Soothing and Supportive Care The chronic muscle tension and pain from EDS can be exhausting. Our massage therapists are trained to use techniques that are safe for fragile tissues. Their role is to:

    • Use gentle techniques to release tight, spasming muscles that are working overtime to guard your joints.

    • Promote relaxation and help calm an overstimulated nervous system.

    • Assist with lymphatic drainage and circulation without stressing the skin or joints.