This May, we’re focusing on why EDS care must go deeper than joints and pain because true progress requires treating more than just the visible symptoms. May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Awareness Month. At our physical therapy clinic, we’re proud to specialize in the care of those living with EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders. We know how complex this condition can be and how often patients go years without finding the right care. That’s why this month, we’re shining a light on three crucial systems in the body that many providers frequently overlook or fail to treat. These systems have a huge impact on quality of life and functional progress for those with EDS. If you’ve been struggling to find answers or relief, understanding and addressing these areas could be the missing link in your care.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in EDS
Many healthcare providers often misrepresent or entirely miss pelvic floor dysfunction in EDS treatment. Many people assume pelvic floor issues only affect women, but men can experience them too, especially those with hypermobility. The connective tissue laxity that defines EDS can lead to problems like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and constipation due to poor pelvic support. For those with EDS, the muscles of the pelvic floor often become either too weak or overly tight in an effort to compensate, leading to chronic dysfunction. Physical therapy focused on pelvic floor rehabilitation can make a profound difference in both pain management and daily function for all genders.
Understanding the Vestibular System’s Role in EDS
Another under-addressed area is the vestibular system. This system includes the inner ear and plays a central role in spatial awareness, balance, and motion perception. Many people with EDS experience symptoms like dizziness, motion sickness, visual instability, or frequent falls, and often don’t realize that these symptoms may be rooted in vestibular dysfunction. This system is closely tied to autonomic regulation, meaning poor vestibular health can worsen symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and dysautonomia. Vestibular rehabilitation can help retrain the brain and body to interpret movement and balance cues more effectively. Additionally, it helps improve stability and reduce discomfort.
Why GI Issues Are So Common in EDS
GI dysfunction is extremely common in individuals with EDS but is often treated as a separate or secondary concern. The connective tissues that support the digestive tract are prone to laxity, leading to sluggish motility, chronic constipation, acid reflux, and more. However, it’s not just GI symptoms you need to be aware of. These issues can trigger or worsen other chronic conditions often associated with EDS, such as:
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Chronic fatigue
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Orthopedic concerns like hip instability or pelvic rotation
When GI function is impaired, it can create a cascade of inflammation, nutrient loss, and stress on the autonomic nervous system. Learning to treat the GI system as part of a whole-body EDS plan is essential for long-term progress and symptom management.
Next Steps
If you or someone you know is living with EDS, it’s time to stop compartmentalizing symptoms and start treating the body as an integrated system. Pelvic floor dysfunction, vestibular issues, and GI problems aren’t separate from your diagnosis—they’re part of it. At our clinic, we’re passionate about educating patients and helping them build a multidisciplinary care team that truly understands the nuances of EDS and hypermobility.
This EDS Awareness Month, we invite you to watch our latest video where we break down these topics even further and provide practical tips for finding the right treatment path. Share it with someone who needs it, and don’t settle for incomplete care. You deserve answers, support, and a plan that works.
Together, let’s raise awareness, build community, and pave the way for better outcomes for those with EDS.