ROSEHIPS ARE A NATURAL FORCE OF STRENGTH AND HEALING

ROSEHIPS ARE SYMBOLIC FOR ME.

I HOPE TO PROVIDE THE UNIQUE POWER THEY HARNESS IN OUR PERSONALLY DESIGNED SESSIONS

Hypermobility/hEDS

hEDS is a rare(1-3100/3500) disorder which is very complex and difficult to diagnose. Its manifestation comprises of general joint hyper mobility and often has an array of connective tissue disorders. hEDS is known to be hereditary. Its the most common type of EDS(90%) and those who have hEDS, suffer with chronic pain and instability of joints causing repeated injuries and weakness. More-so perhaps is a decrease in ones ability to move through life and day to day tasks without worry or fear that activity will flare already existing issues or result in a new injury. This can result in apprehension to get moving, and overall decrease in ones physical activity. With the cause being unidentified it makes treatment extremely challenging.

One year ago to date, I received an email from a client wishing to discuss Clinical Pilates for hEDS. She noted that she had done pilates 5-6 yrs prior and would like to continue on a regular basis to increase strength and confidence in ability as she likes to be active and hike but hasn’t due to fear of injury. She has struggles personally with chronic pain and joint stabilization/Instability. She’s sustained many rolled ankles causing very weak ankles as well as Herniated L4,L5,S1 Anterior prolapse and feels this is catching up with her. She has spent the last 3 years hurting and injuring herself more. This then results in stiffness(from pain), limiting, and ironically inflexible. Pain clinics ongoing investigation is leading up to RFA. Her goals for CP is to get back on track, horse riding, and running. Decrease pain and improve function and confidence in abilities.

hEDS was not a condition I was aware of beyond a brief coverage in school 12 yrs ago. However knowing the common presentation I felt confident in treatment and spent some time reading to refresh specific points, though much of the learning has been hands on and in person. With now a year of working together, and over 50 treatments we can certainly say we have been witness to some incredible results. There were many hurdles along the way which we navigated as best we could. Strengthening and postural control and modifications to avoid excessive stretching or stress on joints was priority. So much of pilates is about structure, alignment, foundation, and strength in movement, working with this client has no doubt improved my ability to work with her ongoing as well as all other clients.

We have worked together 2 times a week for a year with over 50 treatments documented. During this time, Strength has increased notably, endurance during session has improved. Previously client would fatigue with minimal reps (3-6) light weight and now is adding springs to each exercise with reps (8-10). Client often reported feeling very tired and low energy during sessions and within last few months is feeling stronger and less fatigued. Many of our sessions start with or include Manual therapy to release sore/HT muscles prior to movement which also allows for ease of movement. Often times we do release to specific muscles on the tower/reformer as client reports feeling of pain or tension. During the course of the last year, client has undergone many Investigative injections into LB, right shoulder and along ribcage (6th rib). The sole purpose to locate the nerves causing pain which resulted in a nerve ablation 10 months into our working together. Since the procedure, ROM in Hip Flexion has improved and with no pain. This has allowed for more movement pain free in lower back. Another area of concern is the neck which we have made use of props and many modifications over time to help reduce the load the neck feels. Ankle support and stability is an ongoing factor and we have worked diligently to strengthen and improve function.

The client has reported that after this past year and as the result of working together she feels more flexible/ROM(not as stiff), she has gone on hikes this past year and feels her footing was more confident especially on the decline and just an overall strength and endurance increase, and particularly around here in the Okanagan that waking on snow/ice she feels more safe and confident that if she slipped, she would be able to catch herself due to the whole body strength she feels. She also noted recently that up until 1-2 months ago(10 months from starting) she’s always had 2 day DOMS and recently she does not feel sore after our sessions. She felt it important to mention her mental health has improved beyond feeling more confident, she feels less depression from reducing chronic pain and always feeling limited/left out. She would be scared to travel or go away in fear she would put her back out while abroad. “How would she sit on a plane for that long,” she wondered? The strength training also has increased her ability to do daily tasks like minor yard work or sitting at a computer for longer periods of time to do work.

I conclude to say that we certainly can see so many incredible benefits to clients with hEDS regularly participating in Clinical Pilates. Notably confidence in ability, freedom from less pain and restricted lifestyle, less chronic pain and fatigue and improved function in joint stability and structural integrity of joints. Im so grateful I spent more time in learning about this condition and how I can help others with hEDS and similar conditions.

References

Ehlers Danlos Society

https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/hypermobile-ehlers-danlos -syndrome-heds/

Mayo clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362125

Find out more