Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (also known as the hypermobility spectrum, (hEDS) by focusing on strengthening muscles, improving joint stability, and enhancing proprioception to reduce the risk of dislocations and injuries. It helps individuals with EDS learn proper body mechanics and adaptive strategies to manage pain and optimize function.

From the EDS Society website, "Medical students have been taught to look for the more common and usual diagnosis, not the unexpected one. “WHEN YOU HEAR HOOFBEATS, DON'T EXPECT A ZEBRA.” The zebra became our symbol because those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder are the unexpected"

2 zebras neck over neck because zebras are the mascot for hypermobility since Medical students have been taught to look for the more common and usual diagnosis, not the unexpected one. “WHEN YOU HEAR HOOFBEATS, DON'T EXPECT A ZEBRA.” The zebra became our symbol because those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder are the unexpected"

Many times those with chronic pain due to hypermobility are often overlooked and/or missed by primary care doctors. Symptoms can appear unrelated at first and many times genetic tests don't show anything. There's very few providers who see this as well. Finding a provider who you trust and that can guide you along the way is important. . Many times people will misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia. Hypermobility conditions like EDS can present unique challenges, including joint instability, chronic pain, and decreased functional abilities. Hypermobility is a large spectrum which affects every individual differently. Below are some signs and symptoms of EDS:

Joint hypermobility: Excessive flexibility in joints, leading to frequent dislocations or subluxations.
Joint pain: Chronic, often debilitating pain in joints due to instability and tissue fragility.
Skin hyperextensibility: Stretchy, fragile skin that is prone to tearing, bruising, and scarring.
Easy bruising: Increased susceptibility to bruising and bleeding due to fragile blood vessels.
Chronic fatigue: Persistent tiredness and exhaustion that may interfere with daily activities.
Gastrointestinal issues: Digestive problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Cardiovascular complications: Risk of blood vessel fragility, leading to issues like orthostatic intolerance, palpitations, and arterial aneurysms.
Dental and oral health problems: Dental crowding, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Autonomic dysfunction: Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, resulting in symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and temperature dysregulation.
Psychological issues: Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges often associated with chronic pain and physical limitations.

Logan specializes in treating those on the hypermobility spectrum from all sides of the spectrum. As someone with hypermobility and chronic pain herself, she can relate to some of the symptoms and guide you along the journey of managing your pain. Logan looks to find the patterns and find out what your body responds to. Using a combination of movement, hands on therapy, trigger point dry needling, and strength and conditioning, Logan can help you navigate your journey on living with EDS. Logan can help you navigate the medical system as well and get you to the right people.

Curious about learning more about EDS and how physical therapy can help? Click below to book your free call with Logan!

Book Your Free Call

Can I do trigger point dry needling sessions only?

Yes! Logan does a free 30 min call with all potential new clients. You can let her know that you're interested in just dry needling. Book your free call here!
What is pelvic floor physical therapy, and how can it help me?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of therapy focused on evaluating and treating issues related to the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. It can help address concerns such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse by utilizing various techniques including exercises, manual therapy, and education tailored to your specific needs.
What Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Treat?

Since the pelvic floor is a group of muscles controlled by a group of nerves that plays a huge role in human movement and function, the diagnoses really span the gamut. 1) Anything urinary from pain with urination to leaking when you don't want to. 2) Pain anywhere, from the pelvis, low back, abdomen, hips etc. 3) Sexual dysfunction: anything from inability to orgasm to pain with penetration. 4) Anything bowel related from functional constipation to leaking when you don't want to. 5) Difficulty exercising, especially after a big life event like c-sections, pregnancy, or fractures. Don't forget about diastasis recti healing during postpartum. To read more about pregnancy and postpartum PT, click here! 6) Tailbone issues, as the entire pelvic floor is attached to the tailbone. 7) Heaviness and pressure, often equated with (but not always caused by) pelvic organ prolapse (POP). 8) Nerve pain, such as pudendal neuralgia, sciatica, or vulvodynia. This isn't a fully comprehensive list. If you have more questions, schedule your free call here.
Who can benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy?

Anyone experiencing pelvic health issues such as urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse symptoms or difficulty with bowel movements can benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy. It's not limited to any specific gender or age group! Pelvic floor physical therapy can also help people are pregnant or postpartum!
What do they do at pelvic floor physical therapy?

During your session, the first part will consist of a long conversation regarding your health history, goals, experiences, and whatever else is needed. Given your responses, some type of physical assessment/exam will be next. Depending on the condition, the first visit could consist of a thorough evaluation of your pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. This may involve both internal and external assessments. Sometimes an internal exam can be appropriate but not required. Logan respects all individual's boundaries on this and will always explain all options. Based on the findings, Logan will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include exercises, manual therapy techniques, and education about pelvic health.
Do I NEED to have an internal exam?

The short answer is NO! Pelvic floor physical therapy is very personal and sensitive. If you are not comfortable with an internal (or external exam) that is ok! There are a lot different exercises we can get started on without an internal exam.
Will I need a referral from a doctor to see a pelvic floor physical therapist?

No referral from a doctor is required to start working with Logan! Logan is an out of network provider meaning she does not take insurance. This means insurance does not dictate your care. Many times a referral is required for insurance purposes. The great part about working with Logan is she has short wait times, no referral is needed, and your treatment and care plan is not dictated by what insurance will cover!
Do I need to reschedule my session if I am on my period?

No! Not at all! Your period in no way impacts the ability to have a comprehensive exam. Tampons should be removed during the session. Menstrual cups sit higher up towards the cervix so they do not get in the way. Periods are a part of being a healthy human. You only need to reschedule if you want to for your comfort. Plus, sometimes our sessions are focusing on something entirely different than the inside of the vulva.
What is pregnancy and postpartum physical therapy, and how can it benefit me?

Pregnancy and postpartum physical therapy is a specialized form of therapy aimed at addressing the unique musculoskeletal challenges that arise during and after pregnancy. It focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and function to the pelvic floor and core muscles, helping to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote overall well-being during this transformative period. Going to PT during pregnancy is a great way to start to build strength as you prepare for your little one. Logan also incorporates birth prep into her sessions preparing your body for labor and teaching you how to actually push out your baby!
What type of pain and discomfort does pelvic PT help with during pregnan

Sciatic nerve pain Pelvic pain, especially SI joint pain and pubic symphysis pain Pelvic floor pain or heaviness & pressure Incontinence Abdominal pain Round ligament pain Low back pain Breathing discomfort and rib pain If we haven’t listed your pain here, that doesn’t mean we couldn’t help. Contact us for a free phone call to discuss your symptoms and see if our care is right for you
Can I exercise during pregnancy without making my symptoms worse?

The answer usually is, Yes! Many times, exercise is actually how we manage a lot of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort during pregnancy. The other considerations with exercise are whether or not you have medical considerations to care for, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Once medically stable, proper exercise can help you manage these conditions safely and even prevent them.
What does a session during postpartum look like?

The session can look many way depending on a few things. First, how far into postpartum you are. You are welcome to have a session during the first 6 weeks, especially if you feel like something just isn’t right and you want care. During the first 6 weeks postpartum, we do not perform any internal pelvic floor muscle evaluations due to the healing of the cervix and risk of infection. After the 6 week mark, tissues have healed enough to prevent infection as readily and we are able to assess the internal pelvic floor muscles if necessary/and wanted It’s important to note that not every session assesses those muscles and only if they’re necessary to the plan of care and your goals. Assessment of the pelvic floor is also 100% optional and completely up to your comfort. If this is your first session, the session will include a long conversation gathering history and symptoms and then the determination of what we want to assess and treat based on your goals and preferences. Then you’ll receive personalized instructions on what you should do at home between sessions to maximize your progress.
Do you help with diastasis recti?

Absolutely! The biggest thing to know is that diastasis recti’s happen in 100% of pregnancies. That is how the baby has room to grow, because otherwise where else would they go? If you’re postpartum and you still have that separation, don’t despair. Once again, it’s a normal occurrence but sometimes does need help to heal. We can work on teaching you how to heal in any form of exercise you prefer. The biggest myth around ab separation is that you can no longer do crunches, planks etc because that will make it worse. Exercise is all about proper form and managing our intra-abdominal pressure.
What are symptoms of weak pelvic floor?

Not everyone's pelvic floor is weak, and your symptoms don't necessarily mean your pelvic floor is weak. Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to correctly relax, contract, and coordinate your pelvic floor muscles; primarily to urinate and when having a bowel movement. This can have a multitude of different symptoms. Possible symptoms: constantly strain to pass bowel movements, pushing really hard to urinate, leaking urine with jumping, coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting weights etc, feelings of pressure in vaginal area, discomfort in the lower abdomen, having an uncontrollable strong urge to urinate,