Can Chiropractic Help with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

At Health First Chiropractic, we regularly support people with complex health needs. One condition that doesn’t come up often in chiropractic literature is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare connective tissue disorder that affects the joints, skin, and blood vessels. EDS can cause hypermobile joints that may dislocate easily, fragile skin, and in some types, serious vascular complications. Understandably, many people with EDS might assume that chiropractic care isn’t a suitable option for them. But a recent case report has started to shift that perspective.

What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome refers to a group of inherited disorders affecting the body’s connective tissue. People with EDS often experience:

• Joint hypermobility
• Recurrent dislocations or subluxations
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain
• Stretchy, delicate skin that may heal poorly

In more serious forms, such as vascular EDS, the risk of internal complications like blood vessel or organ rupture adds another layer of caution to any kind of manual therapy.

What did the chiropractic case report find?

Recently, a 24-year-old woman diagnosed with EDS was the subject of a chiropractic case report published in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic. Her health history included:

• Chronic neck and low back pain
• Bilateral hip instability
• Migraines with neck pain
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
• Raynaud’s syndrome
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Scheuermann’s disease
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Kyphoscoliosis
• Spina bifida occulta

She had previously tried higher-force chiropractic adjustments with limited success. Under the care of a chiropractor using low-force and instrument-assisted techniques, her symptoms began to improve.

How can gentle chiropractic care help with EDS?

This case highlights the importance of individualised care. Using lower-force methods such as drop-table adjustments, instrument-assisted adjusting, and gentle myofascial release, the chiropractor was able to provide pain relief that was consistent and well tolerated. Visits were complemented with low-intensity strengthening exercises to build resilience and extend the benefits of care.

Why does this case matter?

Although this is just one case, it opens an important conversation about how chiropractic can support people with connective tissue disorders when care is delivered safely, gently, and with a patient-specific approach. At Health First Chiropractic, we understand that not all bodies respond the same way to care. That’s why we tailor treatment to your comfort, needs, and overall health picture. For people living with EDS or other chronic, multi-systemic conditions, gentle and supportive chiropractic care can be a helpful part of your care.

Is chiropractic right for you if you have EDS?

Chiropractic care isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. Especially in conditions like EDS, it’s not about “fixing” but supporting function, comfort, and quality of life, carefully and respectfully, with your goals in mind. If you or someone you know is living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and curious about how chiropractic might fit into a broader health plan, we’re always happy to have a chat and see if we can help.

References

1. Lucente M, Suddeth Walden K. Chiropractic treatment of a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case report. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, 2024;7(1):196-201.

Written by

Dr Naomi Swan

Chiropractor and co-director of Health First Chiropractic in Modbury North, with over 20 years in practice and a Master of Chiropractic. Naomi is also a supervisor and examiner at the Australian Chiropractic College in Adelaide.

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