What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders that affects connective tissues — primarily skin, joints and blood vessel walls. Connective tissue is a complex mixture of proteins and other substances that provide strength and elasticity to the underlying structures in your body.

There are many different types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but the most common signs and symptoms include:

• Overly flexible joints. Because the connective tissue that holds joints together is looser, your joints can move far past the normal range of motion. Joint pain and dislocations are common.

• Stretchy skin. Weakened connective tissue allows your skin to stretch much more than usual. You may be able to pull a pinch of skin up away from your flesh, but it will snap right back into place when you let go. Your skin might also feel exceptionally soft and velvety.

• Fragile skin. Damaged skin often doesn't heal well. For example, the stitches used to close a wound often will tear out and leave a gaping scar. These scars may look thin and crinkly.

Symptom severity can vary from person to person and depends on the specific type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that you have. The most common type is called hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. [Source: Mayo Clinic]

What is Hypermobility?

Joint hypermobility syndrome is also connective tissue disorder. Thick bands of tissue (ligaments) hold your joints together and keep them from moving too much or too far out of range. In people with joint hypermobility syndrome, those ligaments are loose or weak. If you have joints that are more flexible than normal and it causes you pain, you may have joint hypermobility syndrome. [From the Cleveland Clinic]

How can Kimby help?

Kimby has been researching Ehlers Danlos and Hypermobility syndromes since her daughter was born with it in 2000. She understands and can recognize the myriad of symptoms associated with EDS and Hypermobility Spectrum disorders and how best to work without creating further aggravation to fragile tissues. Combining massage, gentle lymphatic and visceral work, and bolstering support, she can provide relief from many of the ongoing discomforts an EDS or HSD client might experience.

eHLERS DANLOS & HYPERMOBILITY RESOURCES

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