Exercising with EDS - Part Two
Ehlers-Danlos is a group of syndromes that affect the connective tissues within the body — primarily the skin, joints and blood vessel walls. It can cause many symptoms with the most common including loose joints that can dislocate easily, pain and fatigue.
This can make it challenging to exercise at all and even for those who are taking part there are many precautions and things to consider in order to make participation fun, rewarding and successful. Some key things to think about are:
Participants with EDS have the same aims and ambitions as any other participant so goal setting will be important. This article from Strength Space looks at the best exercises for ehlers-danlos which will in turn help determine some realistic goals.
2. Treat each person as an individual with unique needs - Listen to and understand the specific requirements of each participant as everyone with EDS has different needs and combinations of symptoms. The video below from mobilates.com is a great example of the basics that those with EDS need to focus on to enable them to exercise safely.
3. Many symptoms of EDS are invisible and it’s important not to judge. For example the bladder and heart can be affected. This may have an impact on the activities that the participant can access and also on their confidence in participating with others. Hidden Diabilities Sunflower explains more about these symptoms, challenges they cause and things you can look out for.
4. Mental health Awareness — Symptoms are not just physical. Many people with long-term health conditions also suffer from mental health conditions. The Mental Health Foundation covers the basics of why mental health is affected and the support that is available.
5. Care may need to be taken with specific movements — over stretching particular joints can cause more pain and joint instability. Exercise and Movement for adults with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome talks through the types of exercise that are suitable for those with Ehlers-Danlos.
6. Certain movements and activities may need to be adapted. For example, high-impact activities may cause damage to the joints especially if they are not well supported. Splints and aids may be essential to participation and participants should be encouraged to wear these if appropriate. This article from the Ehlers-Danlos Support Group looks specifically at footcare and the type of exercise that may be required to strengthen the joints and splints that can be used.
7. Physiotherapy may be required due to injury or prior to starting a complete exercise plan. This article from the Ehlers-Danlos Support Group explains the types of physical therapy that can be useful. This includes basics like posture and motor control.
8. Evaluation and recovery from sessions will be crucial to the long term success of an individuals programme. The Academy of Fitness Professionals explains the importance of client feedback and how this can be achieved.
9. Healthy eating should be encouraged prior to sessions, throughout and then afterwards. This recovery smoothie recipe from TB12 sports is a great place to begin as Tom Brady — American Football Super Bowl champion explains.
10. Hydration is important for any participant. As this article from Better Health explains people with certain medical conditions or on certain medications may sweat more than others and so additional fluid intake may be required.
Supporting those with long-term health conditions is something that can be achieved through great coaching and instruction. UK Coaching supports the We Are Undefeatables Campaign
‘Which aims to help people with long-term health conditions build physical activity into their lives, in a way that their condition allows, and to celebrate every victory big or small’.
There are some great resources available to help you along the way. You can make such a difference. Whether you are working with someone with Ehlers-Danlos or another condition the same principles will apply.
Links
Best exercises for Ehlers-Danlos: https://www.strength-space.com/best-exercises-for-ehlers-danlos/
2. Mobilates: https://www.mobilates.com/
3. EDS by Hidden Disabilities Sunflower:https://hdsunflower.com/uk/insights/post/ehlers-danlos-syndrome-eds
4. Long-term health conditions and mental health: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/long-term-physical-conditions-and-mental-health
5. Exercise and movement for adults with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/information/exercise-and-movement-for-adults-with-hypermobile-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-and-hypermobility-spectrum-disorders/
6. Footcare in Hypermobile Ehlers-danlos syndrome: https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/information/footcare-in-hypermobile-ehlers-danlos-syndrome/
7. Physical therapy for hypermobility: https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/information/physical-therapy-for-hypermobility/
8. The Academy of Fitness Professionals: https://www.academyoffitnessprofessionals.com/fitness-career-planning-why-personal-trainers-need-client-feedback/
9. TB12 Sports - Recovery Smoothie Recipe: https://tb12sports.com/blogs/tb12/berry-recovery-smoothie-recipe
10. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Exercise-the-low-down-on-water-and-drinks#
Great Coaching can help people with long-term health conditions: https://www.ukcoaching.org/about/news/uk-coaching-news/great-coaching-can-help-people-with-health-conditi#:~:text=Coaches%20needn%27t%20be%20afraid,of%20environments%20where%20they%20thrive
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