Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility: Understanding Symptoms and Support Options

May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) Awareness Month. These conditions affect connective tissue in the body, which plays a key role in supporting joints, skin, blood vessels, and internal structures.

For many people, EDS or HSD is first noticed through joint hypermobility, frequent sprains, or ongoing pain that does not fully explain itself. Others may experience fatigue, digestive issues, dizziness, or a general feeling that the body does not hold together in a stable way.

Although hypermobility is sometimes described as being “very flexible” or “double jointed“, EDS and HSD are medical conditions where that flexibility comes with instability, discomfort, and a wide range of additional symptoms that can affect daily life.

What are EDS and HSD?

EDS and HSD are conditions that affect connective tissue strength and stability. When connective tissue is more fragile or overly elastic, it can affect how joints and other structures behave.

Common symptoms can include:

  • Joint hypermobility and instability
  • Joint pain or frequent subluxations and dislocations
  • Muscle fatigue and weakness
  • Digestive issues such as IBS-type symptoms
  • Headaches or dizziness
  • Slow recovery after physical activity
  • Anxiety linked to unpredictable symptoms

HSD is used when hypermobility causes symptoms but does not meet full diagnostic criteria for EDS. The experience of both conditions can overlap significantly.

How EDS and HSD affect daily life

Living with EDS or HSD is often unpredictable. One day the body may feel manageable, and the next day simple movement can feel exhausting or painful.

Many people describe needing to plan activities carefully, pace themselves, and manage flare-ups that can come without clear warning. Because symptoms are not always visible, others may not realise the level of effort involved in everyday tasks.

Over time, the body can also develop protective patterns, tightening muscles to create stability. While this is a natural response, it can add further discomfort and fatigue.

Why a whole-body approach matters

EDS and HSD rarely affect just one area of the body. Instead, they involve multiple systems, which means support often works best when it is individualised and layered.

The aim is not to “fix” the condition, but to support comfort, stability, energy, and nervous system regulation so that daily life feels more manageable.

Support available for EDS and HSD

At Acorn Natural Health Centre, different approaches can support people living with hypermobility-related conditions. Each therapy works in a different way, and many people find that combining approaches is helpful.

Jadwiga James – Homeopathy, Bioresonance and EMTT
These approaches focus on the body as a whole system, working with energetic and regulatory processes. They are often used by people looking for gentle, non-invasive support for long-term patterns and imbalance.

Anne Marie Walker – Massage Therapy
Massage can help reduce muscular tension that builds up when the body is working hard to stabilise joints. Treatments are adapted carefully to avoid overstretching and to focus on comfort, circulation, and easing strain.

George Timby – Sports Massage and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation-based work can support muscle strength, movement control, and joint stability. This is often useful for improving function and reducing strain on overcompensating areas of the body.

Jan Cooper – Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy can support digestive symptoms, energy levels, inflammation, and recovery. Many people with EDS and HSD experience gut-related issues, so a personalised approach can be helpful in identifying triggers and improving balance.

Sally Race – Hypnotherapy and EMDR
Living with ongoing physical symptoms can affect the nervous system. Hypnotherapy and EMDR can support stress regulation, reduce anxiety linked to symptoms, and help the brain respond more calmly to physical sensations.

Ranjana Mitra – Counselling
Counselling offers space to process the emotional impact of living with a long-term condition. This can include frustration, fatigue, uncertainty, and the effect on identity, relationships, and daily life.

EDS and HSD are complex connective tissue conditions that affect the body in multiple ways. While symptoms can be challenging, understanding the condition and accessing appropriate support can make a meaningful difference to daily life.

Awareness helps more people recognise that these experiences are real, valid, and deserving of informed care and support.

If you want to find out more about living with EDS and HSD, visit EDSUK– the only UK-based charity supporting people with connective tissue disorders.

Where we are

Acorn Natural Health Centre
17a Market Place, Heanor, DE75 7AA

Supporting clients across Heanor, Derbyshire, and surrounding areas.