Managing Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Naturopathic Approach to Whole-Body Wellness

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder primarily characterized by joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and a range of other systemic symptoms. Though often underdiagnosed, hEDS can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Naturopathic medicine offers a holistic approach to managing hEDS, focusing on treating the whole person and addressing underlying issues.

What is hEDS?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable connective tissue disorders affecting collagen, a key protein that provides structure and strength to various tissues in the body. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is the most common subtype, marked by joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal pain, and frequent dislocations or subluxations. In addition to joint-related symptoms, patients with hEDS may experience:

• Gastrointestinal issues (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome – IBS)

• Dysautonomia (e.g. postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome – POTS)

• Fatigue and sleep disturbances

• Easy bruising and poor wound healing

• Anxiety and mood disorders

The condition can vary widely in its severity, from mild joint hypermobility to disabling chronic pain and multi-systemic issues. Diagnosis of hEDS is primarily clinical, relying on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and established criteria.

Conventional Management of hEDS

Conventional treatment of hEDS often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, pain management, and medications to control symptoms. While these interventions can help manage some aspects of the condition, many patients seek additional support to address the chronic and systemic nature of hEDS. This is where naturopathic medicine can offer valuable adjunctive care.

Naturopathic Approach to hEDS

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) focus on treating the underlying causes of disease while emphasizing lifestyle changes, natural therapies, and patient education. For hEDS patients, a naturopathic approach includes:

1. Nutritional Support

   An anti-inflammatory diet incorporating omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce systemic inflammation can be helpful in managing chronic pain associated with hEDS. Other essential nutrients to include are vitamin C (a key co-factor in collagen synthesis) and zinc (important for tissue repair and immune function).

2. Digestive Health

   Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common symptom in patients with hEDS, utilizing probiotics to maintain a balanced gut microbiome, recommending a high fiber diet to support gut motility and identify and eliminating food sensitives can also be beneficial for patients with hEDS to reduce inflammation within the body and alleviate symptoms of IBS.

3. Movement

   Exercise programs that focus on low-impact activities and emphasize gentle, controlled movements to support muscle recovery and alleviate pain would be ideal for patients with hEDS.

4. Nervous System Support

   Using mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga and/or breathing exercises can support the autonomic regulation and reduce anxiety and pain perception in patients with hEDS. Adaptogenic herbs has also been shown to help modulate the body’s stress response.

5. Pain Management

   Anti-inflammatory herbs such as ginger, turmeric or Boswellia can help reduce inflammation and pain. Acupuncture has also been beneficial for some patients who experience chronic pain from hEDS.

6. Sleep Optimization

   Sleep disturbances can be common in patients with hEDS. Utilizing herbal supports and nutraceuticals such as passionflower and magnesium can help promote relaxation and improve quality of sleep in hEDS patients.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a complex condition that affects multiple body systems. While conventional management is crucial for stabilizing joints and managing acute symptoms, naturopathic medicine offers a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes, supports overall health, and empowers patients with hEDS to take an active role in their care. Through nutritional support, digestive health optimization, nervous system regulation, pain management and sleep optimization, NDs can help patients with hEDS improve their quality of life and manage symptoms more effectively.

 In health,

Dr. Sami Leung, ND

References:

1. Castori, M., Morlino, S., Pascolini, G., Blundo, C., & Grammatico, P. (2015). Gastrointestinal and nutritional issues in joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type. American journal of medical genetics. Part C, Seminars in medical genetics, 169C(1), 54–75. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31431

2. Chopra, P., Tinkle, B., Hamonet, C., Brock, I., Gompel, A., Bulbena, A., & Francomano, C. (2017). Pain management in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. American journal of medical genetics. Part C, Seminars in medical genetics, 175(1), 212–219. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31554

3. Demes, J. S., McNair, B., & Taylor, M. R. G. (2020). Use of complementary therapies for chronic pain management in patients with reported Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorders. American journal of medical genetics. Part A, 182(11), 2611–2623. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.61837

4. Do, T., Diamond, S., Green, C., & Warren, M. (2021). Nutritional Implications of Patients with Dysautonomia and Hypermobility Syndromes. Current nutrition reports, 10(4), 324–333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-021-00373-1

5. Doyle, T. A., & Halverson, C. M. E. (2022). Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A qualitative study. Frontiers in medicine, 9, 1056438. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.1056438

6. Guedry, S. E., Langley, B. O., Schaefer, K., & Hanes, D. A. (2024). Integrative medicine for hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS): a feasibility study. Disability and rehabilitation, 1–14. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2314713

7. Hakim, A. (2004). Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. In M. P. Adam (Eds.) et. al., GeneReviews®. University of Washington, Seattle.

8. Heds Body System. The Ehlers Danlos Society. (2024, September 12). https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/heds/

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10. Mantle, D., Wilkins, R. M., & Preedy, V. (2005). A novel therapeutic strategy for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome based on nutritional supplements. Medical hypotheses, 64(2), 279–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2004.07.023

11. Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866

12. Topan, R., Pandya, S., Williams, S., Ruffle, J. K., Zarate-Lopez, N., Aziz, Q., & Fikree, A. (2024). Comprehensive Assessment of Nutrition and Dietary Influences in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-A Cross-Sectional Study. The American journal of gastroenterology, 119(4), 727–738. https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000002586

13. Song, B., Yeh, P., Nguyen, D., Ikpeama, U., Epstein, M., & Harrell, J. (2020). Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: An Analysis of the Current Treatment Options. Pain physician, 23(4), 429–438.

MYOFASCIAL MASSAGE THERAPY NOW AVAILABLE

Myofascial Massage Therapy Now Available

We are excited to announce that Jordan R. Smith, RMT has joined our team here at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine. 

Jordan R. Smith has been a practicing member of MTAS in Saskatoon since graduating from the McKay Massage and Hydrotherapy Program in 2011. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside chiropractors, and continues to be referred by many general practitioners. In 2014, Jordan was elected to the Board of Directors of MTAS (Massage Therapy Association of Saskatchewan). He continues to be quite active within the sub-committees to further the advancement and benefits of Massage Therapy and Public Knowledge.

In 2013–2014, Jordan has had the privilege teaching Anatomy, Systemic Anatomy and Physiology to the undergraduates of the Massage and Hydrotherapy Program at McKay Career Training. To further his passion of healthcare research, Jordan continues to be heavily involved within the MTAS community by periodically facilitating intensive workshops in anatomy held at the U of S.

Today, Jordan focuses his work around the John F. Barnes' Myofascial Release Approach®. Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) is a gentle hands-on treatment that gradually softens, lengthens, and realigns your fascia to promote healing and relieve pain. It Is an effective treatment for unexplained spinal, muscle and joint pain, and other complex conditions with multiple symptoms of pain and dysfunction. The fascial system is a 3D web of connective tissue that spreads throughout the body from head to toe. It is what holds us together and gives us shape. Trauma, poor posture and inflammation can cause restrictions in the fascial system that bind down like a straightjacket on pain sensitive structures like nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones and organs. Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) has uncovered the cause of most pain and dysfunction that is invisible to standard medical tests.

John Barnes Myofascial Release Training Credentials: Myofascial Release Therapy I (2012), Myofascial Release Therapy II (2015), Fascial Pelvis (2016)

Since having received training from John F. Barnes’ himself, Jordan has discovered that Myofascial Release has done more to support healing and improve movement ability in his clients than any other therapy technique. Jordan works throughout the year to continually advance his skill set to keep up with the ever evolving needs of patient care and to bring those skills into a the treatment room with each and everyone he sees. With this skill set, he focuses on the causes of your current symptoms, rather than the symptom itself to create a lasting effect and relief. In the words of John F Barnes, "Begin with the area of pain and look elsewhere for the cause."

Jordan’s clients range from young infants to the elderly (all varying in conditions, including lower back pain, fibromyalgia, acute/chronic injuries, carpal tunnel, TMJ, headaches, whiplash, postural dysfunction, pelvic imbalances, neurological conditions, scars, sciatica and sport injuries). Jordan is very passionate about his patients’ health and places a strong emphasis on individualized education about the body and self-care recommendations such as stretching, strengthening and postural awareness.

Jordan's office hours will be on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings. If you would like to book an appointment with him, please call the office at 306-664-2150.