Hypermobility & EDS PT Program
Struggling with frequent injuries, unexplained fatigue, or a history of dislocated joints? If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I keep spraining my ankles?” it might be due to the laxity of your ligaments, making them unable to support your body’s movements effectively. This condition can lead to microtears, resulting in discomfort and pain during everyday activities.
Look no further for comprehensive, whole-person physical therapy.
At Inspira we offer a specialized physical therapy program that incorporates a multi-system and multi-modality approach for treating people with hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) has 13 subcategories symptoms can include loose and unstable joints that are prone to subluxation and dislocation, hyperelastic skin, skin that is velvety soft which tears and bruises easily, and slow healing of wounds. Less commonly fragile arteries, intestines, uterus, scoliosis, poor muscle tone, mitral valve prolapse, and gum disease.
HSD & EDS can be accompanied by other conditions including:
- Mast Cell Activation (MCAS)
- Dysautonomia
- Gastric Motility Issues
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Orthostatic Intolerance
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Cervical Spine Instability
- Frequent Joint Subluxations
- Chronic/Persistent Pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep Dysfunctions
- And More!
What makes our Physical Therapy Program for Hypermobility & EDS Unique?
Due to the nature of HSD/EDS, we utilize a multi-system approach for providing physical therapy treatment for our patients with HSD/EDS. Our treatments will include:
- Craniosacral Therapy: Gentle osteopathic technique aimed at addressing sympathetic overdrive or other central nervous system dysregulation.
- Vagus Nerve Manual Therapy: Gentle hands-on technique aimed at targeting the vagus nerve to stimulate positive autonomic nervous system response
- Lymphatic Drainage: Manual therapy technique focused on relieving regions of lymphatic blockage to reduce swelling, discomfort, and promote pain reduction.
- Visceral Manipulation: Gentle osteopathic technique incorporating mobilization of visceral organs to improve motility and mobility of organs and other fascia structures.
- Manual Therapy: (Can be Orthopedic and/or Pelvic Floor specific) multiple techniques including myofascial release for muscle spasms, joint assessments, correction of misalignments, cupping, graston technique and more.
- Radiofrequency to Connective Tissue: (Can be Orthopedic and/or Pelvic Floor specific) Utilizing Winback Tecar Therapy for a) pain relief and/or b) improving connective tissue integrity c) muscle activation
- Kinesiotaping: For stabilization of hypermobile joints. We utilized Kinesiotape which is safe for sensitive and fragile skin.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: (Can be Orthopedic and/or Pelvic Floor specific) Movement re-education incorporating functional manual therapy techniques to guide and facilitate safe movements. We will incorporate tapping, hands-on tactile facilitation, and other modalities.
- Therapeutic Exercise:(Can be Orthopedic and/or Pelvic Floor specific) Safe exercise integration utilizing mindfulness breathing techniques and Pilates-based exercise applications with the goal of strength and stability. Home exercise progressions will be incorporated as well.
What is the recommended course of treatment in the Hypermobility & EDS Program?
We recommend at least an initial 12 weeks of treatment with the frequency of appointments listed below as well as recommendations after the completion of 12 weeks:
Weeks 1-4: (5 hours of care/week)
- 2 Total System HSD/EDS Physical Therapy appointment/ week
- 1 Integrated Physical Therapy Appointment/ week
Weeks 5-8: (4 hours of care/week)
- 1 Total System HSD/EDS Physical Therapy Appointment/week
- 1 Integrated Physical Therapy Appointment/week
- 1 Pilates Private Session/ week
Weeks 8-12: (3 Hours of care/week)
- It will be determined by the physical therapist, and may differ depending on your progress.
- 1 Physical Therapy appointment/week
- 1 Integrated Physical Therapy Appointment/week
- 1 Pilates private session/week
- It will be determined by the physical therapist, and may differ depending on your progress.
After 12 weeks (2 hours of care per week + 1 hour group HSD/EDS class/week)
- 1 Integrated Physical Therapy appointment/week
- 1 Pilates Private session/week
- Pilates Group Classes (HSD/EDS class only) as appropriate
What are the different appointment types?
Total System HSD/EDS Physical Therapy Appointment
- Comprehensive, 2-hour treatment incorporating 9 elements listed above: craniosacral therapy, vagus nerve manual therapy, lymphatic drainage, visceral manipulation, manual therapy, Radiofrequency treatment via Winback Tecar, Kinesiotaping, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic exercise.
Physical Therapy Appointment
- Comprehensive, 55-minute treatment session incorporating selected components of the 9-element Total System Physical Therapy appointment type.
Integrated Physical Therapy Appointment
- 55-minute appointment split first with manual therapy with a licensed Physical Therapist then the second half will be with guided neuromuscular and therapeutic exercise via a Pilates instructor trained as a Physical Therapy aide.
Pilates Private Session
- 1:1 Pilates movement session focused on mindfulness and exercise appropriate for your body.
Pilates Group Class
- Reformer and mat-based Pilates group class. Specialized classes for HSD/EDS. It is recommended that you only attend a group class for HSD/EDS after completing the first 12 weeks of 1:1 care at Inspira. Group classes present risks of injury and it is prudent to consult your treating physical therapists and PCP before engaging in group exercise.
What if I have multiple body regions/parts that need treatment?
The majority of people with HSD/EDS have multiple regions involved. Whether it be the orthopedic or pelvic floor. This is why we have recommended the treatment frequency/week that is listed above. Each day is different so we will check in with you about what is the most urgent body region needing treatment at your visit that day. However, we do frequently choose two-three body regions per Total System treatment appointment to address.
How far in advance do I need to book my appointments?
We recommend booking 2 months in advance to allow for continuity of care and full booking of the entire course of treatments.
Is this covered by insurance?
Please refer to the Payments & Insurance section of our website for more information on this.
Do you communicate with my other treating practitioners?
Yes. HSD/EDS takes a team for effective treatment and we communicate regularly with other practitioners involved in your care.
How do I book my appointments?
We are now booking patients for January 2024. To reserve your care, please email hello@inspirapt.com and/or call/text 929-295-6566. We recommend booking 2 months in advance to ensure continuity of care and all appointments are reserved per our recommendation frequency.
Any questions and/or concerns? Let us know by reaching out via email at hello@inspirapt.com. Call/Text (929) 295-6566.