Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Specialist

What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that affect collagen, a protein that provides strength and support to joints, ligaments, tendons, skin, blood vessels, and other tissues throughout the body.

The most common form seen in clinical practice is Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), which is characterized by excessive joint mobility, chronic pain, and recurrent musculoskeletal injuries.

Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, EDS may affect multiple organ systems and present differently from one person to another.

Common Symptoms of EDS

Symptoms may include:

• Joint hypermobility (double-jointedness)
• Frequent joint sprains and injuries
• Joint instability and subluxations
• Recurrent dislocations
• Chronic neck and back pain
• Widespread musculoskeletal pain
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Muscle spasms and myofascial pain
• Fatigue and exercise intolerance
• Headaches and migraines
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
• Poor proprioception and balance
• Sleep disturbances
• Easy bruising and soft tissue injuries

Many patients experience symptoms that fluctuate over time and may worsen following injury, illness, stress, or increased physical activity.

EDS, Dysautonomia & POTS

Many individuals with EDS also experience autonomic nervous system dysfunction, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

Associated symptoms may include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid heart rate upon standing
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Exercise intolerance
• Chronic headaches
• Difficulty regulating body temperature
• Gastrointestinal symptoms

Because EDS and dysautonomia frequently occur together, treatment plans often address both musculoskeletal and autonomic symptoms.

Why Does EDS Cause Chronic Pain?

EDS-related pain is often multifactorial and may result from:

• Joint instability
• Repetitive microtrauma
• Ligament laxity
• Muscle overcompensation
• Nerve irritation
• Myofascial pain
• Chronic inflammation
• Central sensitization

Over time, constant stress on joints and supporting structures can contribute to persistent pain and reduced function.

Comprehensive EDS Evaluation

At Alpenglow Pain & Wellness, Cynthia Dunleavy, PA-C and April Hinsberger, APRN have a special clinical interest in evaluating patients with suspected hypermobility disorders and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. They perform comprehensive assessments that may include:

• Detailed medical history review
• Hypermobility assessment
• Beighton scoring evaluation
• Review of joint instability symptoms
• Dysautonomia and POTS screening
• Evaluation of chronic pain patterns
• Review of prior injuries and musculoskeletal concerns

Following diagnosis and evaluation, patients receive individualized treatment recommendations based on their symptoms and goals.

EDS Treatment Options

Treatment is individualized based on each patient's symptoms, level of hypermobility, pain patterns, and functional goals.

Conservative & Supportive Therapies

Treatment may include:

• Physical therapy focused on stabilization
• Strengthening and proprioceptive training
• Joint protection strategies
• Activity modification
• Bracing and supportive devices
• Nutritional support and supplementation
• Pain psychology and coping strategies
• Lifestyle modifications
• Limited medication management when appropriate

Interventional Pain Management

For patients experiencing chronic pain that does not respond adequately to conservative care, interventional treatments may help improve comfort and function.

Treatment options may include:

• Trigger point injections
• Peripheral nerve blocks
• Occipital nerve blocks
• Stellate ganglion blocks
• Epidural steroid injections when indicated
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for carefully selected patients
• Ketamine infusion therapy for chronic pain and central sensitization
• Spinal cord stimulation evaluation for select chronic pain conditions

Regenerative & Orthobiologic Therapies

Because ligament laxity and connective tissue instability are common contributors to pain in EDS, some patients may benefit from regenerative medicine approaches designed to support injured tendons, ligaments, and joints.

Available options may include:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Regenexx® procedures
• Ultrasound-guided orthobiologic injections
• Tendon and ligament treatments

Our providers carefully evaluate each patient to determine whether regenerative therapies may be appropriate based on their specific condition and treatment goals.

Wellness & Recovery Therapies

Additional supportive therapies may include:

• Red light therapy
• NAD+ injections and infusion therapy
• Glutathione therapy
• Saline infusion therapy for hydration support
• Wellness injections and IV infusions

These therapies may help support recovery, energy production, cellular health, and overall wellness.

A Team-Based Approach to EDS Care

Because EDS affects multiple body systems, our team believes in a collaborative approach to care. Cynthia Dunleavy, PA-C and April Hinsberger, APRN often serve as key providers in the evaluation and ongoing management of hypermobility disorders, while Dr. Renk and Dr. Nixon provide advanced pain management, rehabilitation, and interventional treatment options when needed.

Our goal is to help patients manage chronic pain, improve stability, optimize function, and maintain an active lifestyle while minimizing unnecessary medications and invasive procedures whenever possible.

If Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hypermobility, chronic pain, POTS, or associated symptoms are affecting your daily life, contact Alpenglow Pain & Wellness today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.