How we can help with
Hypermobility & Ehlers Danlos
Hypermobility is an umbrella term for a number of conditions that affect the body’s connective tissues, giving them a more elastic structure.
Hypermobility
Rather than a single entity, Hypermobility is now understood as a spectrum of disorders. At one end there is simple joint hypermobility, where increased flexibility is often the only sign, while at the other end sits hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), a genetic connective tissue disorder which can cause wide-ranging issues throughout the body. As hEDS can affect the joints, the heart, the gut and even the brain, diagnosis can be difficult, as specialists in all of these fields focus only on their area of expertise – without ever putting it all together to find the root cause. Many of the patients we see have spent years thinking that they are simply incredibly unlucky, suffering from numerous isolated issues. When they finally learn that hEDS is responsible for everything, the relief can be enormous.
What are the features of Hypermobility and Ehlers Danlos?
Joint and muscle pain: Stabilized by connective tissue and muscles, joints are affected by hypermobility, making the connective tissue more "stretchy" and less effective. This leads to joint injuries and tight, achy muscles compensating for the instability.
Dislocations: People with hEDS often experience joint dislocations due to stretchy connective tissues, commonly in shoulders, kneecaps, and hips.
Skin Features: Thin, translucent, stretchy skin that bruises easily is common due to high amounts of connective tissue. Hypermobile skin is often very soft and smooth, which can be advantageous!
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: A condition causing dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting when standing, related to blood pressure regulation.
Neurodivergence: Whilst research into this link is is ongoing, conditions like ADHD and Autism are more common among hypermobile people.
Gut Issues: Connective tissue in the gut can lead to problems like IBS.
Anxiety: People with hEDS are more likely to suffer from anxiety, though the reasons are poorly understood and need more research.
Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Chronic pain in hEDS may sensitise the central nervous system, linking it to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
How can the condition be treated?
As a genetic issue, there is no cure for hEDS. However, correct management can make an enormous difference to the effect it has on your life. There are many treatments and lifestyle changes that can be done to help with all of the issues listed above, but it is important that this advice is personalised, as hEDS affects everybody in a unique way. Living with hEDS can be difficult, but the correct knowledge can make things much easier. Dr Stephanie Barrett and the team at The Brainwave Clinic in London are experts in managing this condition, and offer both cutting edge treatments and access to specialists in various relevant areas, in order to help you live well with hEDS.