I’m trying different types of physical therapy to keep making progress
Hopefully, a new technique will help relieve my pain
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It’s been almost five months since I fell off my horse, resulting in a broken rib, a sprained diaphragm, and sore core muscles. I started physical therapy (PT) in November, and it has helped a lot. My range of motion has improved, and most of my muscles are far less reactive, but my core and diaphragm are still very reactive. I feel good when I don’t do much, but that’s not sustainable in the long term.
As someone with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), I know that healing from soft-tissue injuries can be a process. While my broken bones have healed well, my muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries are proving much more challenging. I’m used to dealing with muscle and joint pain, but the parts of my core and diaphragm that get most irritated are near my vagus nerve, which can result in nausea and dry heaving. It’s very unpleasant and disruptive to my day.
After reaching a plateau in physical therapy, I started brainstorming what else I might try. Prior to COVID-19, I did Pilates, which helped me a lot. The exercises improved my core strength and overall stability, and the increased body awareness helped me perform daily movements properly, which is critical with EDS. I never got back into it after businesses reopened, but I wondered if it might help me with my residual pain and problems, which seem to be related to my core.
Trying something new
I reached out to one of my former physical therapists who also runs a Pilates studio. She explained that she started her own practice so she could be flexible in using whichever methods seem appropriate, whether grounded in PT or Pilates. I went in for an evaluation, curious about what she might suggest.
Her response was similar to what everyone else has said: I’m a mess! I’ve known this therapist for nearly 20 years and have worked with her many times, so we’re now friends. She was serious, but also knew I’d find it funny.
She then recommended a type of PT I’d never heard of called fascial counterstrain. Basically, it’s a way to relax structures that are strained or inflamed by applying a counterstrain, or positioning the body against the strain. My therapist said she’s had amazing success with it, particularly with people on the hypermobile spectrum. I trust her, so I said, “Let’s do it!”
I have my first appointment in a few weeks, and I’m eager to see how it goes.
Sometimes, managing EDS — especially when healing from injuries — can be frustrating. While I try to keep a realistic, positive attitude, there are days when I run out of patience and just want to feel “normal.” It’s reasonable to feel down sometimes, but for me, it’s important not to stay there.
Those are the times when it’s most important to reach out to others, whether that’s friends and family who can provide moral support or a therapist who can suggest new methods. The path forward isn’t always linear, but as long as I keep going, I know I’ll make progress.
Note: Ehlers-Danlos News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Ehlers-Danlos News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Ehlers-Danlos.
lynne wilson
Fascial Counterstrain PT is what saved me and what has kept me “going”. At 66, hEDS has been very difficult since not diagnosed till 63. Even after a failed back surgery, Orthopedic Physicians never assessed hypermobility or EDS, I had to figure out that foundational cause of my multi system , multi symptom health problems taking my life down. I did online research before A.I. It took me years to sort out this complicated outcome that thankfully is beginning to gain traction, as is FCS physical therapy being the one strongest intervention making life worth living. People with hEDS also need pain medication. Those who say no, are physicians who don’t understand the physiology .
Let them live for years without out the help this population has been denied. It’s cruel and inhumane. Hooray for PTs learning Fascial Counter Strain, they’re hero’s in our plight.