Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) & Hypermobility Care in Annapolis
At One. Physical Therapy, we understand how challenging it can be to live with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) or hypermobility disorders. Our dedicated, women-owned and operated physical therapy and wellness practice in Annapolis specializes in personalized, one-on-one care that addresses the root causes of your symptoms—not just the symptoms themselves. With over 47 years of combined experience, our team offers a safe, supportive environment where you can restore function, reduce chronic pain, and achieve greater overall wellness.
© Copyright Susan Chalela, PT and Leslie Russek, PT, PhD. The Chalela Physical Therapy Institute for EDS and CCI/Cervical Instabilities
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders that affect collagen, the protein responsible for providing structure and elasticity to skin, joints, and other tissues. Common symptoms can include:
• Joint hypermobility (loose joints that move beyond the normal range)
• Chronic pain and frequent joint dislocations or subluxations
• Skin hyperextensibility (soft, stretchy skin)
• Fragile tissues and slower wound healing
Because EDS varies in presentation and severity, a comprehensive evaluation is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Testing often involves clinical assessments such as the Beighton Score for joint hypermobility. Early detection and management are key to minimizing complications and improving quality of life.
Why Physical Therapy Matters for EDS & Hypermobility
Living with EDS or hypermobility can lead to chronic pain, recurrent injuries, and a cycle of reduced activity. Physical therapy at One. can be a game-changer, helping you:
- Strengthen and Stabilize Joints: Safe, low impact targeted exercises improve muscle support around hypermobile joints.
- Reduce Pain and Discomfort: Techniques like manual therapy, massage, and laser therapy help alleviate pain and inflammation.
- Prevent Future Injuries: A balanced fitness program, proper nutrition and education in proper movement mechanics, frequency of movement and optimal posture reduce strain on vulnerable areas.
- Enhance Mobility and Function: Customized functional movements and post-rehab training maximize flexibility while maintaining joint stability.
- Promote Overall Wellness: Regular activity, improved nutrition and guided exercises boost energy, mood, and daily functioning.
Our Comprehensive Services for EDS Management
Our focus at One. Physical Therapy is on educating and empowering you to take charge of your own health and well-being. EDS and hypermobility can be managed effectively with the right combination of treatments, exercises, and lifestyle modifications. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, offering a safe, supervised environment for physical therapy and continued fitness—so you can return to the activities you love with confidence and less pain. We offer a variety of evidence-based, integrative services—all under one roof—to help you regain confidence and improve your health:
Physical Therapy
Our unique blend of Physical Therapy sessions begin with a thorough evaluation to identify your individual limitations. Specialized exercises, including FFF, and joint-stabilizing techniques with biofeedback help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and build the strength necessary to safely manage Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Massage
Massage therapy helps reduce muscle spasm, fascial restrictions and promote circulation, which is especially beneficial for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-related chronic pain and tightness. Often fascial restrictions are perceived as "tightness" when a tight muscle is actually not the problem. Our therapists use gentle, targeted techniques in safe neutral spine alignment to soothe sensitive tissues and enhance relaxation without overexerting hypermobile joints.
Pilates
Pilates emphasizes controlled, low-impact movements that build core strength and stability. For individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, these exercises can fortify support around hypermobile joints while minimizing strain.
Dry Needling
Dry Needling harnesses the body’s natural healing response to reduce inflammation and discomfort. By targeting specific trigger points and connective tissues, these treatments can help alleviate Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-related muscle tightness and chronic pain. Once a muscle spasm is released, this should always be immediately followed by targeted isometric exercises to activate deep muscle stabilizers that have often been turned off by poor muscular control, postural awareness, prolonged positioning, proprioceptive deficiencies or nerve compression.
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy (Class IV)
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy provides a non-invasive, high-intensity light treatment that promotes tissue repair and pain relief. Ideal for delicate Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome tissues, it accelerates healing and helps reduce inflammation around unstable joints.
Empowering You to Live Your Best Life
If you or a loved one is dealing with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility, or related chronic pain conditions, you don’t have to face it alone. At One. Physical Therapy, Fitness & Wellness, we’re committed to helping you achieve long-term relief, improved function, and a renewed sense of normalcy.
Contact Jennifer Balducci, PT, MSPT, cert FFF provider today to schedule an assessment or learn more about our comprehensive services for EDS and hypermobility. Discover why we’re the last place you’ll ever need for physical therapy, safe muscular and neuromotor retraining , and whole-body wellness. Your journey to a stronger, healthier, and more active life starts here.
Our Location
Address:
One. Physical Therapy
914 Bay Ridge Road, Suite 212 Annapolis, MD 21403
Phone:
Fax:
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 12:00pm
