Connective Tissue and Hypermobility Disorders
Understanding Connective Tissue Disease
Connective tissue disease is any disorder that impacts the parts of the body that connect structures of the body. Examples of connective tissue include bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and lymphatic tissues.
While there are more than 200 types of connective tissue diseases, some of the more common include Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), Rheumatoid arthritis, Marfan syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS).
Physical therapists with specialized training and knowledge can provide care to help patients diagnosed with connective tissue disorders. If you’ve been diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder, ask your medical provider about the benefits of physical therapy and request an appointment at Bay State Physical Therapy.
Causes of connective tissue diseases vary but include:
- Genetics – Inherited from genes passed down from parents.
- Autoimmune– Occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s connective tissues. Some risk factors include a family history of autoimmune disease, obesity, a history of smoking, and exposure to certain medications.
- Injury – Certain injuries or traumas can cause damage to the collagen and fibers that comprise the connective tissues.
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by hypermobile joints, elastic skin, slow healing, easy bruising, and lower tolerance for strenuous exercise. Since the connective tissue that holds your joints together is much looser than it should be, your joints may move outside of the normal range of motion (ROM), resulting in frequent subluxations, dislocations, or painful joints. Having overly flexible joints can also result in the early onset of arthritis.
Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may have difficulty with physical activities due to pain and reduced fitness levels. However, physical therapy can be crucial in improving bodily function and managing symptoms. Physical therapists have the expertise and training to support patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, helping them to increase their strength, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life.
Symptoms of EDS
Many symptoms are associated with EDS, but working closely with your healthcare provider is essential in establishing the proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
The most common symptoms of EDS include:
- Hypermobile or overly flexible joints
- Thin, stretchy skin
- Muscle and joint pain
- Chronic feeling of tiredness
Collaborating with your medical team, your physical therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy will utilize various treatment modalities, including hands-on manual therapy, strength and proprioception training, and a home exercise program to aid with pain and improve quality of life.
What is Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
Loeys-Dietz Syndrome (LDS) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue in the body. Physical abnormalities in the head and face and problems with the cardiovascular and skeletal systems characterize it.
Signs and Symptoms of Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
People with Loey-Dietz Syndrome may have various physical features, including a thin, narrow face with a small jaw and eyes widely spaced apart. They may also have a cleft palate, a split in the roof of the mouth, or scoliosis, a curvature of the spine.
LDS is often diagnosed in infancy or childhood, and the severity of the condition can vary widely from one person to another. Some people with LDS may have only mild symptoms, while others may have more severe problems that require ongoing medical treatment.
LDS can also cause a range of other health problems, including the following:
- A higher risk for certain types of cancer (i.e., breast and ovarian)
- More prone to immune system disorders (i.e., infections)
- Problems with their vision or hearing
- May have learning disabilities or developmental delays
LDS can also cause problems with the cardiovascular system, including weak spots in the aorta (aortic aneurysms) that can burst and cause severe bleeding. Although there is no cure for LDS, several treatments are available to help manage the condition and improve quality of life.
These may include medications to control blood pressure and prevent aortic aneurysms, surgery to repair or replace damaged blood vessels, and physical therapy to improve mobility and function.
Physical Therapy Treatment of Connective Tissue Disorders
Patients diagnosed with EDS or other connective tissue disorders may experience total body pain, joint subluxations and/or dislocations, poor coordination, poor proprioception, fatigue, headaches, and other issues that can make it difficult to lead normal and healthy lives. These patients also have highly unique needs, but through personalized care and services, your physical therapist can help you gain control of your symptoms.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or other connective tissue disorders, Bay State Physical Therapy can help! Rest assured that our therapists will take great care of you and provide the best possible service. Our goal is to improve your strength, confidence, and quality of life during treatment while simultaneously lowering your pain symptoms. Contact Bay State Physical Therapy today to schedule your evaluation!