Hypermobility spectrum disorder/ehlers danlos syndrome

This page is a list of suggested resources for those experiencing life with symptomatic hypermobility, whether you are formally diagnosed or your symptoms simply align with the above designations.

All resources listed are recommended from the personal and professional experience of Ríagáin Ní Loingsigh. Neither Ríagáin nor Southpaw Movement are in any way financially compensated for use of any of the following links, nor do they in any way financially benefit or profit from use of any of the below recommendations.

Please do not use any of the following recommendations in place of medical advice, Southpaw Movement in no way takes the place of medical advice or treatment. All recommendations below listed should be used under the advisement of your own physician(s).

Doctors & practioners:

Rheumatologist

Dr. Leanne Dada, DO is a rheumatologist specializing in connective tissue disorders. Her provider information is listed below.

• https://www.methodisthealthsystem.org/provider/leanne-dada-do

physical therapist

Kimberly Meredith, PT, DPT, WCS is a PT with experience treating hypermobile patients; please see her contact information below.

• https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/directory/kimberly-meredith/

pots/autonomic dysfunction

The Heartbeat Clinic in the Dallas-Ft Worth area specializes in diagnosis and treatment of POTS, which is a common co-morbidity with EDS and other hypermobility spectrum disorders.

• https://pots.net/

ob-gyn

Dr. Alejandra Perez-Moore, MD is an EDS/hypermobility informed OB-GYN who has experience treating patients with EDS. She is a doctor at North Texas OB-GYN Associates, please see the practice’s information below.

• https://northtexasobgyn.com/

Chiropractic

Dr. Art Janolo at Coppell Wellness is a Chiropractor who is well versed in treating patients with EDS, without utilizing high velocity adjustments.

• https://coppellwellness.com/

Recommended tools:

Please know the following items may or may not be of help depending on your specific symptoms, and be used in consideration of your current medical guidance. None of the following tools should be used in place of medical treatment or against your physician’s guidance.

• Electrolytes

  • LMNT is a brand higher in sodium than most electrolyte mixes. You can purchase packets, canned drinks, or make your own mixture listed on their website if you’re on a tighter budget.

  • Higher salt intake can be helpful for those experiencing POTS-related symptoms, but please make sure you consult your doctor about appropriate sodium levels for your body.

• Acupressure Mats (for tension release)

  • Acupressure mats are mats with tiny spikes. These mats are meant to be laid flat on to release tension, and usually come with a half pillow to place under the neck/base of the skull.

  • Mats are made for varying intensity of muscle release, and can be laid on with or without clothing to help control the feedback of the miniature spikes. They are particularly useful if you suffer from tension headaches or chronic back paid due to scar tissue, or hypermobility related tension.

• Compression Clothing (for joint support)

  • Uflex is a fairly inexpensive brand for compression sleeves; they wash and wear well and are a solid option when you need some extra support.

  • Apolla makes a variety of high quality compression socks with extra padding in the toe and heel to give you arch support and greater proprioceptive feedback. The ‘Joule’ compression sleeve is particularly useful for Pilates, Yoga, and Martial Arts use.

• Kinesiology Tape (for joint support and proprioception)

  • There are multiple brand of kinesiology tape, I personally use KT Tape and find the ‘Pro’ and ‘Extreme’ lines are the best value.

  • However, consider the less adhesive lines or brands if you scar easily, have MCAS-related reactions to adhesives, prefer not to wear the tape for over 24hrs, or overall if your skin does not tolerate removal of the tape well.