Hypermobility, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Pelvic Floor Therapy
Dr. Jenn Gelfand, PT, DPT, E-RYT, Owner of Root To Rise PT & Pelvic Health
What does it mean to be “hypermobile,” and why is it important to the pelvic floor?
Essentially, hypermobility means you have excessive motion within your joints. Think about your shoulders, elbows, hips and knees having more range of motion than average. This extra mobility can lead to our body seeking ways to create stability, because there is almost too much mobility. Many people who are hypermobile complain of very tight or stiff hips or shoulders, despite being able to actually stretch quite far.
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
You may have heard of the diagnosis “Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)” which has several subtypes - hypermobility being the most common. This is a diagnosis that can be hard to identify for a variety of reasons including symptom overlap with other diagnoses such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. There are also no specific blood tests that can diagnose the hypermobility subtype. Those with EDS may also present with additional complaints that may be diagnosed independently but can include dizziness, heart racing, constipation, or loose stool.
Hypermobility does not automatically mean you have EDS; but whether you have EDS and/or are hypermobile, we are here to help!
Hypermobile joints seek stability
This means when you are sitting you might want to be curled up and sitting on your feet, or when standing you might want to be leaning on the nearest counter or wall. It might also mean that even just sitting or standing for daily activities such as work or caregiving can create excess tension in both small and large muscle groups including those along the spine. This can result in tight, tense muscles throughout your back and extremities. Your pelvic floor can also hold this tension which can contribute to pelvic pain during tampon use, pelvic exams, or intercourse.
Hypermobility can contribute to the following symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction:
Urinary incontinence
Fecal incontinence
Pelvic “heaviness” or pelvic organ prolapse
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Pain with vaginal penetration and or intimacy
Hip pain
Low back pain
Pelvic girdle pain (sacroiliac, pubic symphysis or tailbone)
Diastasis recti
As pelvic floor therapists, our goal is to work with you to find the ROOT cause of your symptoms
Treatment may include a combination of:
Mobility and stability training
Manual therapy to release muscle tension
Manual treatment to promote muscle activation
Postural and movement pattern retraining
Lifestyle coaching and treatment for bladder, bowel, digestive, sexual health
Each person has their own training “toolbox” to address their unique needs! Here are Root to Rise Physical Therapy and Pelvic Health, we are happy to be on your support team as we navigate symptoms that have either been present for days or years.
At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy. Our Doctors of Physical Therapists are specialized in treating both orthopedic and pelvic health conditions. Our practice also integrates acupuncture and yoga and we are always excited to be a resource for the community we practice in. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!
~Dr. Jenn & The Root To Rise Team
