Hypermobility & Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Physical Therapy
Clinical Lead for Hypermobility & EDS Care
Maddy Cline, PT, DPT
Maddy Cline, PT, DPT, leads our Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) program. She specializes in hypermobility and EDS and serves as the main expert for this area of care. This program will be led by Maddy and supported through hypermobility-related treatment and education.
What Is Hypermobility & Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?
Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) affect the body’s connective tissues, which provide stability and support to joints, muscles, and ligaments. When these tissues are overly flexible, joints can move beyond their normal range, leading to pain, instability, and frequent injuries. Here’s how hypermobility and EDS impact the body:
Joint Instability: Loose connective tissue can cause joints to feel unstable, leading to frequent sprains, subluxations, or dislocations that interfere with daily activities.
Chronic Pain & Fatigue: Ongoing joint stress and muscle overcompensation often result in widespread pain and fatigue, making it difficult to stay active or tolerate exercise.
Poor Body Awareness: Many individuals with hypermobility struggle with proprioception (the body’s sense of position), increasing the risk of injury and imbalance.
System-Wide Effects: EDS can affect more than just joints, sometimes impacting the skin, nervous system, and overall energy levels, which contributes to complex and long-lasting symptoms.
Understanding hypermobility and EDS is the first step toward effective, specialized care that supports long-term joint health and improved quality of life.
Common Symptoms of Hypermobility & EDS
People with hypermobility or EDS may experience joint pain, frequent sprains or dislocations, muscle tightness, headaches, poor balance, fatigue, and difficulty tolerating exercise. Because symptoms vary widely from person to person, a highly individualized and specialized treatment approach is essential.
Why Specialized Physical Therapy Matters
Traditional physical therapy often focuses on stretching and generalized strengthening, which can actually worsen symptoms for hypermobile individuals. Specialized care is critical to improve joint stability without overstretching, reduce pain, and help patients feel safer and more confident in their movement. Our program is designed specifically for the unique needs of hypermobile and EDS patients.
Our Treatment Approach
Our Hypermobility & EDS Physical Therapy Program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with joint hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Treatment focuses on controlled strengthening, joint stabilization, proprioception (body awareness), and movement education to improve function while protecting vulnerable joints. Rather than emphasizing stretching or aggressive exercise, our approach prioritizes stability, control, and safe movement patterns.
Each treatment plan is carefully and gradually progressed based on the individual’s symptoms, tolerance, and goals. This thoughtful progression helps minimize flare-ups, reduce pain, and build long-term resilience. Sessions may include targeted strengthening, balance and coordination training, posture and movement retraining, and gentle manual therapy when appropriate.
Education is a critical component of care. Patients learn how hypermobility affects their bodies, how to recognize early signs of overuse or instability, and how to modify daily activities to protect their joints. By combining hands-on treatment with education and self-management strategies, our program empowers patients to move with greater confidence and manage symptoms both in and out of the clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can physical therapy help with hypermobility and EDS?
Physical therapy strengthens muscles around the joints, improves stability, enhances balance and proprioception, and teaches safe movement strategies. These approaches reduce pain, prevent injuries, and help patients feel more confident in daily activities.
Is physical therapy safe for someone with EDS?
Yes, when it is guided by a therapist experienced in hypermobility and EDS. Exercises and treatments are carefully tailored to avoid overstretching or stressing the joints while still promoting strength and function.
Can physical therapy help with joint instability and pain from hypermobility or EDS?
Yes, physical therapy can be very beneficial for individuals with hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. By improving joint stability, strengthening surrounding muscles, and teaching safe movement strategies, therapy can help reduce pain, prevent injuries, and improve overall function and confidence in daily activities.
Will insurance cover my physical therapy?
Most health insurance plans cover physical therapy for hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome under standard outpatient PT benefits. Coverage can vary depending on your plan, so it’s always best to check your specific benefits. As a courtesy, we verify your insurance before your first visit and can explain your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs during your evaluation.
Schedule an Appointment
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or suspects it may be contributing to ongoing pain or instability — our specialized physical therapy program can help. Schedule an evaluation today to learn if this program is right for you.