What is EDS?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) refers to a group of genetic disorders affecting the connective tissues that provide structure to joints, skin, blood vessels, and other tissues and organs. EDS is typically characterized by unusually mobile joints and soft, stretchy skin.
There are 13 different types of EDS currently recognized, with Hypermobile EDS being the most prevalent.
Treatment varies from one person to the next, but doctors might prescribe pain medication, and often recommend physical therapy and massage therapy as well.
How can massage therapy help?
Chronic pain management
One of the major symptoms that patients with EDS are treated for is pain caused by hypermobility, joint dislocations, and other complications. A massage therapist can help with sore muscles and joints, while tailoring the level of pressure and techniques to help each client individually.
Fatigue management
Along with chronic pain inevitably comes fatigue. When a person's pain is constant, their quality of sleep decreases, making them tired during the day. The exhaustion can make pain worse, because the body does not have time to reset and heal. This leaves the client in a constant cycle of pain and exhaustion. Massage relaxes the nervous system and soothes pain, allowing relief from the chronic fatigue cycle.
Blood pressure regulation
In some types of EDS, doctors may recommend blood pressure medication to make sure blood vessels are not overwhelmed. Whether this is true or not, massage therapy can help regulate blood flow and increase regular fluid circulation.
What kind of massage can help?
Every case is completely different in people with EDS, with varying levels of pain, mobility, and other complications. Just as doctors and physical therapists will work on a case by case basis to create a plan for each patient, so will a massage therapist. In general, your massage therapist will probably not apply any joint stretching techniques. If they do mobilize any joints, there should be sufficient support from the therapist so that nothing is able to slip out of place.
Modalities like Swedish, Deep Tissue, Thai, and Myofascial Release can all be used to help people with EDS, along with many other techniques! The most important factor is communication between client and therapist, so that the massage therapist can customize their techniques and pressure levels to how the client is feeling that day and for their particular symptoms.
Cautions for EDS and Massage
While massage therapy is extremely safe, make sure to communicate your diagnosis and symptoms clearly to the therapist. If you bruise easily or have particular joints that give you problems, sharing that information right away will assure you are as comfortable as possible during the treatment.
Make sure to take your time getting up after the massage! Anyone who is not used to regular bodywork might feel faint or dizzy for a few moments afterward, and people with EDS are particularly susceptible to this. Sit up and take at least five deep breaths before you stand. If you feel dizzy, take more time!
Comentários