Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Mar 31, 2025Hello everyone! I am newly a level 1 therapist and I just wanted to ask the community about FST and if it could help a dear friend of mine. She has been diagnosed with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), and mast cell disease. I know this is all very rare and way beyond my scope, but I was wondering if any of you have had a patient with these diseases and if FST was able to help them in any way. Some days for her she is able to do normal activities and even beyond such as hiking. Other days she is bed ridden with extreme pain. I was hoping to get some professional insight with FST. Hoping it could be something to help her relieve stress and pain in her body. Thank you in advance!
Comments
Lisa McNeil FST is absolutely wonderful for calming the nervous system. Take things slow and gentle...
Steven Thurston I have a regular client with EDS, depending on the type they have, FST may be a CI, or at least the end range moves. My clients joints dislocate very easily so traction is out. Try PNF mid range to start to strengthen and stabilize but no stretching after. I've also used the Dolphin Nurostimulator on her and that's really helped to stop her pain and calm the nervous system.
Lisa McNeil I would suggest not using straps too
Kathy Martinez I have a Client with EDS, do you know which type? I assume hyper mobility. I purchased the book below to help in my training protocols. I do not do FST on this client at this time, not only because the potential of joint dislocation but she is not comfortable on any table we try for basic protocols from the book. I do provide ideas for body rolling against the wall and seated to help her.
Living Life to the Fullest with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Guide to Living a Better Quality of Life While Having EDS
Living Life to the Fullest with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Guide to Living a Better Quality of Life While Having EDS
Kathy Martinez Here is another book, just found it.. I ordered it.
I am super conservative about my care for this client. My client will dislocate in bed when sleeping.. muscle tension helps with hyper mobility keeping things from subluxation at least from my understanding.
Joint Hypermobility Handbook- A Guide for the Issues & Management of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type and the Hypermobility Syndrome
I am super conservative about my care for this client. My client will dislocate in bed when sleeping.. muscle tension helps with hyper mobility keeping things from subluxation at least from my understanding.
Joint Hypermobility Handbook- A Guide for the Issues & Management of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type and the Hypermobility Syndrome
Chris Frederick Somewhat similar in presentation are clients with Marfan Syndrome. Good guidelines to follow are here:
Marfan Syndrome
This is a genetic disorder that basically destabilizes most if not all of the fascia (connective tissues) to varying degrees.
Unless you have advanced medical training, please use the following guidelines if you decide to have a session with a client who had this diagnosis:
- all stretching is strictly CONTRAINDICATED
- gentle ROM without any elongation of tissue is generally safe and may be relaxing to the client but probably does not confer any other benefits.
- client could benefit more from gentle stabilization training of all weight bearing joints followed by other joints and myofascia used in function.
- medical precautions for any exercise must be cleared by a professional knowledgeable about Marfan Syndrome.
Further details about Marfan Syndrome can be found at https://www.marfan.org/about/marfan
Unless you have advanced medical training, please use the following guidelines if you decide to have a session with a client who had this diagnosis:
- all stretching is strictly CONTRAINDICATED
- gentle ROM without any elongation of tissue is generally safe and may be relaxing to the client but probably does not confer any other benefits.
- client could benefit more from gentle stabilization training of all weight bearing joints followed by other joints and myofascia used in function.
- medical precautions for any exercise must be cleared by a professional knowledgeable about Marfan Syndrome.
Further details about Marfan Syndrome can be found at https://www.marfan.org/about/marfan
