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Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that affect the body's collagen, a protein that provides strength and support to joints, skin, blood vessels and many other tissues. As connective tissue is found throughout the body, EDS can cause symptoms affecting multiple body systems, including joint instability, chronic pain, fatigue, dizziness and digestive problems.

Although there is currently no cure, many people improve with an accurate diagnosis, appropriate rehabilitation and personalised long-term management. At Rowan Health, we take a whole-person approach, assessing not only joint hypermobility but also associated conditions such as autonomic dysfunction, chronic pain and gastrointestinal symptoms to develop an individualised support programme alongside your conventional medical care.

This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have new, severe or worsening symptoms, always seek advice from your GP or specialist healthcare team.

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Medical infographic showing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), highlighting connective tissue, joint hypermobility and the multiple body systems commonly affected.

KEY FACTS

Medical name

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)


Also known as

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)*, Classical EDS (cEDS), Vascular EDS (vEDS), and other recognised EDS subtypes.

*HSD is a separate but closely related diagnosis used when symptomatic joint hypermobility does not fully meet the criteria for hypermobile EDS.


What it affects

Connective tissue throughout the body, including the joints, ligaments, tendons, skin, blood vessels, digestive system, pelvic floor and autonomic nervous system.


Common symptoms

Joint hypermobility, recurrent sprains or dislocations, chronic pain, fatigue, easy bruising, soft or stretchy skin, dizziness on standing, digestive symptoms, headaches, poor proprioception and reduced exercise tolerance.


Who can be affected?

EDS affects people of all ages and sexes. Hypermobile EDS is thought to be the most common subtype and is frequently recognised in adolescence or early adulthood, although many people experience symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis.


How is it diagnosed?

Hypermobile EDS is diagnosed clinically using the 2017 International Diagnostic Criteria, which include assessment of joint hypermobility (Beighton score), connective tissue features, family history and musculoskeletal complications. Other EDS subtypes may require genetic testing for confirmation.


Can it be treated?

Although there is currently no cure for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, many people benefit from a personalised management plan combining education, physiotherapy, pacing, pain management and treatment of associated conditions.


Associated conditions

Many people with EDS also experience associated conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), chronic pain, gastrointestinal dysmotility, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and, in some individuals, symptoms suggestive of mast cell activation.


When to seek urgent medical advice

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you have known or suspected vascular EDS and develop sudden severe chest, abdominal or back pain, sudden severe headache, collapse, or new neurological symptoms. These may indicate a serious vascular complication requiring emergency assessment.

UNDERSTANDING THE CONDITION

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is not a single disease but a family of inherited connective tissue disorders. At present, thirteen different subtypes have been recognised internationally, each affecting collagen or proteins involved in collagen production in different ways. These differences explain why some forms mainly affect the joints, while others can also involve the skin, blood vessels or internal organs.

Collagen acts as one of the body's principal structural materials. It provides strength and stability to ligaments, tendons, skin, blood vessel walls, the digestive tract and many other tissues. When collagen is weaker or organised differently, these tissues become more elastic or fragile than usual.


An analogy often used with patients is to imagine a building built with flexible rather than rigid scaffolding. The building may remain standing, but the framework moves more than intended. Over time, this extra movement places additional strain on joints, muscles and supporting tissues, increasing the likelihood of pain, instability and injury. The same underlying connective tissue difference can also influence the digestive system, blood vessels and autonomic nervous system, explaining why many people experience symptoms affecting several different parts of the body simultaneously. This mechanism-based explanation is a key element of the Rowan Health clinical programme.


The most common subtype is hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Unlike most other EDS subtypes, there is currently no genetic test that confirms hEDS. Instead, diagnosis relies on recognised clinical criteria, careful examination and exclusion of other connective tissue disorders. People who have symptomatic joint hypermobility but do not fully meet the hEDS criteria may instead receive a diagnosis of Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). Importantly, HSD is not considered a "milder" diagnosis, and management is generally very similar.


The majority of people diagnosed with EDS seen in general clinical practice have either hEDS or HSD. Much rarer forms, particularly vascular EDS, require specialist assessment because they carry different health risks and often require genetic confirmation.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

common symptom

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome affects connective tissue throughout the body, which explains why symptoms can involve much more than the joints. Although every person is different, many people experience a combination of musculoskeletal, skin, cardiovascular, digestive and neurological symptoms. The type and severity of symptoms also vary between the different forms of EDS.


For some people, symptoms are relatively mild and mainly affect physical activity or sports participation. Others experience significant pain, recurrent injuries, fatigue and difficulties affecting work, education or everyday life.


Joint and Musculoskeletal Symptoms

Joint hypermobility is one of the defining features of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Excessive flexibility may initially appear beneficial, but over time the reduced stability of joints can lead to repeated injuries and chronic pain.


Common musculoskeletal symptoms include:

  • Joint hypermobility ("double-jointedness")

  • Frequent sprains and soft tissue injuries

  • Joint instability

  • Recurrent subluxations or dislocations

  • Chronic joint pain

  • Widespread musculoskeletal pain

  • Early joint degeneration in some individuals

  • Muscle fatigue

  • Poor proprioception (reduced awareness of joint position)

  • Difficulty maintaining posture

  • Reduced exercise tolerance


Many people describe feeling as though their joints are "loose", "slipping", or "giving way", particularly during physical activity.


Skin Symptoms

Connective tissue abnormalities also affect the skin.


Depending on the EDS subtype, people may experience:

  • Soft or velvety skin

  • Mild skin hyperextensibility (stretchier than usual skin)

  • Easy bruising

  • Delayed wound healing

  • Thin or fragile skin

  • Atrophic (thin) scars

  • Stretch marks unrelated to weight changes

  • Recurrent hernias


The degree of skin involvement varies considerably between different EDS subtypes.


Fatigue

Persistent fatigue is extremely common in people living with EDS.


Several factors may contribute simultaneously, including:

  • Increased muscular effort needed to stabilise unstable joints

  • Chronic pain

  • Poor sleep quality

  • Autonomic dysfunction

  • Reduced physical conditioning

  • Associated chronic health conditions


Unlike ordinary tiredness, fatigue may persist despite adequate rest and can significantly affect work, study and social activities.


Autonomic Symptoms

Many people with hypermobile EDS experience symptoms related to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (dysautonomia).


These symptoms may include:

  • Dizziness when standing

  • Light-headedness

  • Palpitations

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Feeling faint

  • Fainting episodes

  • Exercise intolerance

  • Heat intolerance

  • Difficulty standing for prolonged periods


Some individuals meet the diagnostic criteria for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which frequently occurs alongside EDS. Rowan Health therefore routinely screens for orthostatic symptoms during assessment and cross-refers to the dedicated POTS pathway when appropriate.


Digestive Symptoms

Because connective tissue is also present within the gastrointestinal tract, digestive symptoms are common.


These may include:

  • Bloating

  • Reflux

  • Nausea

  • Early fullness after eating

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhoea

  • Abdominal discomfort

  • Alternating bowel habits


Current evidence suggests gastrointestinal symptoms are common in hypermobile EDS, and may coexist with autonomic dysfunction such as POTS. Management usually follows standard gastroenterology principles while considering the wider clinical picture.


Headaches and Jaw Problems

Many people also report:

  • Frequent headaches

  • Neck pain

  • Migraine

  • Jaw clicking

  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain

  • Difficulty chewing


TMJ dysfunction is recognised as a common associated problem and may benefit from assessment by appropriately trained dental or maxillofacial professionals where indicated.


Emotional Wellbeing

Living with a long-term, often invisible condition can have a significant emotional impact.


Many people experience:

  • Anxiety

  • Low mood

  • Frustration after years without a diagnosis

  • Reduced confidence

  • Social isolation

  • Reduced quality of life


These emotional effects should not be viewed as the cause of physical symptoms, but rather as understandable consequences of living with a complex, multi-system condition. Rowan Health routinely considers emotional wellbeing alongside physical health as part of a comprehensive assessment.

CAUSES, MECHANISMS AND DIAGNOSIS

Why Does It Happen?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is caused by inherited changes affecting collagen or proteins involved in the production and organisation of connective tissue.


Collagen acts as one of the body's principal structural building materials. It provides strength, flexibility and support to tissues throughout the body, including ligaments, tendons, skin, blood vessels, the digestive tract and many internal organs.


When collagen is altered, connective tissue becomes weaker or more elastic than normal. This helps explain why people with EDS may experience symptoms affecting several seemingly unrelated body systems.


The clinician manual compares collagen to the structural scaffolding of a building. If the scaffolding is more flexible than intended, the entire structure becomes less stable. In the body, this may contribute to joint instability, soft tissue injury, easy bruising, digestive problems and autonomic symptoms through a shared underlying mechanism.


Thirteen recognised EDS subtypes have now been described. Most result from identifiable genetic changes affecting collagen or collagen-processing proteins. Hypermobile EDS is unusual because, despite being the most common subtype, no specific genetic cause has yet been identified, and diagnosis remains entirely clinical.


Researchers continue to investigate why some people experience predominantly joint symptoms while others develop more widespread autonomic, gastrointestinal or pain-related manifestations. Increasing evidence suggests that altered proprioception, repeated joint micro-injury and changes within the nervous system may all contribute to the development of persistent symptoms over time.


Why Does Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Affect So Many Different Parts of the Body?

One of the questions people most frequently ask after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is, "How can one condition cause so many different symptoms?"


The answer lies in the role of connective tissue.

Connective tissue is found throughout the body. It provides strength, support and stability to joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, skin, blood vessels, internal organs and many other structures. When connective tissue is affected, the consequences are therefore not limited to one part of the body but can influence multiple body systems at the same time.


Joint Instability and Pain

Ligaments and joint capsules normally help keep joints stable during movement. In EDS, these tissues are often more elastic than usual, allowing joints to move beyond their normal range.


Although increased flexibility may appear advantageous, the surrounding muscles must work much harder to stabilise the joints. Over time, this increased effort can contribute to muscle fatigue, recurrent sprains, joint instability and persistent pain.


Repeated minor injuries and ongoing strain may also sensitise the nervous system, making pain more persistent even when no new injury has occurred.


Fatigue

Many people assume fatigue simply results from poor sleep, but in EDS it is often caused by several factors working together.


Muscles constantly work harder to compensate for joint instability, increasing energy demands during everyday activities. Pain can interfere with restorative sleep, while associated conditions such as autonomic dysfunction may further reduce physical endurance.


As a result, even routine activities such as walking, shopping or standing for prolonged periods may require considerably more effort than they do for someone without EDS.


Dizziness and Autonomic Symptoms

Connective tissue also helps support the walls of blood vessels.


In some people with EDS, increased flexibility of these tissues may contribute to blood pooling in the legs when standing. This can reduce the amount of blood returning to the heart and temporarily decrease blood flow to the brain.


The body attempts to compensate by increasing the heart rate, which may cause dizziness, light-headedness, palpitations or fainting. Some individuals develop Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a recognised condition that commonly occurs alongside hypermobile EDS.


Digestive Symptoms

The digestive system also contains connective tissue and relies on coordinated muscle activity to move food through the stomach and intestines.


Some people with EDS experience slower digestion, altered bowel function, reflux, bloating or abdominal discomfort. Autonomic dysfunction may further influence digestive function, which helps explain why gastrointestinal symptoms are relatively common in people living with EDS.


Skin and Soft Tissues

Collagen is one of the main structural proteins within the skin.

When collagen is affected, the skin may become softer, more stretchable or bruise more easily.


Depending on the subtype of EDS, wound healing may also be slower, and scars may appear thinner or wider than expected.


Why Symptoms Differ Between People

No two people experience Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in exactly the same way.

Some people mainly experience joint instability, while others are more affected by fatigue, chronic pain, digestive symptoms or autonomic dysfunction. The severity of symptoms also varies between the different subtypes of EDS and between individuals with the same diagnosis.


Understanding these different mechanisms helps explain why treatment often needs to address several aspects of health rather than focusing on a single symptom. This is one reason why a personalised, multidisciplinary approach is recommended for people living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

How It Is Diagnosed

How is it diagnosed

Diagnosing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome involves much more than assessing joint flexibility. A comprehensive clinical evaluation considers your medical history, family history, physical examination and associated symptoms to determine whether the recognised diagnostic criteria are met.


For hypermobile EDS, clinicians currently use the 2017 International Diagnostic Criteria. These include three main components:

  • Evidence of generalised joint hypermobility, usually assessed using the Beighton Score.

  • Additional connective tissue features, family history or characteristic musculoskeletal complications.

  • Exclusion of other connective tissue disorders and alternative diagnoses.


The Beighton Score

The Beighton Score is a simple nine-point assessment of joint hypermobility. It evaluates flexibility in the fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees and spine.


Although widely used, the Beighton Score alone does not diagnose EDS. Some people naturally have flexible joints without having EDS, while others become less flexible with age despite still having the condition. For this reason, clinicians also consider historical joint hypermobility, associated symptoms and the broader clinical picture.


Genetic Testing

Unlike most other EDS subtypes, hypermobile EDS currently has no confirmatory genetic test.

Genetic testing is usually recommended only when features suggest another subtype, such as classical or vascular EDS, or another inherited connective tissue disorder.


Screening for Associated Conditions

Because EDS frequently coexists with other conditions, assessment may also include screening for:

  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

  • Gastrointestinal disorders

  • Chronic pain

  • TMJ dysfunction

  • Mood and quality of life

  • Fatigue and functional impairment


The Rowan Health assessment pathway incorporates structured screening for these associated conditions from the initial assessment onwards, allowing management to be tailored to each individual's presentation.

HOW IS IT USUALLY MANAGED?

Management depends on the diagnosis, symptom severity, underlying mechanisms and each person's individual circumstances.

There is currently no cure for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Management focuses on reducing symptoms, preventing complications, improving function and helping people remain as active and independent as possible.


Because EDS affects multiple body systems, care is often provided by a multidisciplinary team. The specific professionals involved will depend on your symptoms and the subtype of EDS.


Education and Self-Management

Understanding the condition is one of the most important aspects of long-term management.

Learning to recognise your own physical limits, avoid repeated injuries and pace activities appropriately can help reduce symptom flare-ups while maintaining fitness and confidence.


Patients are often encouraged to:

  • Learn about their specific EDS subtype

  • Recognise activities that increase joint instability

  • Pace physical activity appropriately

  • Maintain a healthy body weight

  • Optimise sleep and recovery

  • Develop long-term self-management strategies


Physiotherapy and Exercise

Physiotherapy is generally considered the cornerstone of treatment for hypermobile EDS and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder.


Unlike rehabilitation following a simple injury, physiotherapy for EDS focuses less on increasing flexibility and more on improving:

  • Joint stability

  • Muscle strength

  • Balance

  • Proprioception (joint awareness)

  • Movement control

  • Functional endurance


Exercise programmes should usually be introduced gradually and adapted to the individual's symptoms and physical capacity. Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling or Pilates are often better tolerated than high-impact sports.


Pain Management

Pain is often one of the most challenging aspects of EDS.


Pain may result from:

  • Joint instability

  • Repeated soft tissue injuries

  • Muscle overuse

  • Tendon problems

  • Central sensitisation

  • Co-existing chronic pain conditions


Treatment may include:

  • Education

  • Activity modification

  • Physiotherapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Appropriate pain medication where indicated

  • Psychological approaches to living with persistent pain


Because pain mechanisms are often complex, management usually combines several approaches rather than relying on a single treatment.


Managing Associated Conditions

Many people require additional treatment for associated medical conditions.


Examples include:

  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

  • Gastrointestinal disorders

  • Pelvic floor dysfunction

  • Headaches or migraine

  • Temporomandibular joint disorders

  • Sleep disorders

  • Anxiety or low mood when present


Management should be individualised and coordinated between the relevant healthcare professionals.


Surgery

Surgery is not routinely recommended simply to treat joint hypermobility.


People with EDS may have:

  • Increased risk of recurrent instability following surgery

  • Delayed wound healing

  • Increased scar formation

  • Tissue fragility depending on the subtype


When surgery is necessary, the treating surgical team should be aware of the diagnosis so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

LIVING WELL WITH THE CONDITION 

Impact on Daily Life

EDS affects much more than physical health. For many people, the condition influences education, employment, family life, physical activity and emotional wellbeing.


Symptoms often fluctuate from day to day. Some people experience relatively stable periods followed by flare-ups triggered by illness, injury, hormonal changes or increased physical demands.


Many individuals describe living with uncertainty. Activities that appear simple to others—walking longer distances, carrying shopping, climbing stairs or sitting at a desk for prolonged periods—may require considerable planning and energy.


Because many symptoms are invisible, people with EDS sometimes feel misunderstood or unsupported, particularly before receiving a diagnosis.


Children and young adults may experience repeated injuries or fatigue that affect school attendance or participation in sport. Adults may need to modify their work environment or adjust daily activities to reduce joint strain and manage fatigue more effectively.


Although these challenges can be significant, many people lead active and fulfilling lives with appropriate education, rehabilitation and support. Understanding personal limits, building strength gradually and developing effective self-management strategies often improve confidence and quality of life over time.

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HOW ROWAN HEALTH SUPPORTS YOU

Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome often involves much more than managing joint hypermobility. Chronic pain, fatigue, autonomic symptoms, digestive problems, sleep disturbance and repeated injuries can all interact to affect your daily life. Our approach is designed to understand these interactions and develop a personalised support plan that reflects your individual needs.


Rather than focusing solely on the diagnosis, we begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand how EDS affects your overall health, function and quality of life.


Depending on your circumstances, your assessment may include:

  • A detailed review of your medical history and previous investigations.

  • Assessment of joint instability, pain patterns and functional limitations.

  • Screening for associated conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), gastrointestinal dysfunction and chronic fatigue.

  • Review of sleep, physical activity, work, education and daily living.

  • Identification of factors contributing to symptom flare-ups and reduced function.

  • Discussion of your personal goals, priorities and expectations.


Following this assessment, we develop an individualised management plan designed to complement the care provided by your GP and specialist team.


Your personalised support programme may include:

  • Education to improve understanding of EDS and promote long-term self-management.

  • Practical pacing strategies to balance activity and recovery while reducing symptom flare-ups.

  • Support for chronic pain, fatigue and physical function.

  • Lifestyle measures to optimise sleep, nutrition and overall wellbeing.

  • Advice on reducing joint strain during everyday activities.

  • Ongoing monitoring to review progress and adapt recommendations as your needs change.

  • Where appropriate, carefully selected integrative therapies delivered alongside your conventional medical care.


Because EDS is a long-term condition that often changes over time, management is rarely a one-off intervention. We work with you to review progress regularly, helping you build confidence, improve daily function and develop sustainable strategies that support your long-term health and quality of life.


Why Our Approach Is Different

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome rarely affects only one body system. Joint instability may contribute to chronic pain, altered movement patterns and muscle fatigue, while autonomic dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms and poor sleep can further reduce energy levels and quality of life.


For this reason, our assessment considers the whole clinical picture rather than focusing on individual symptoms in isolation. By identifying the factors that have the greatest impact on your daily life, we can prioritise interventions that are most likely to improve your function and support long-term self-management.


Our care is designed to work alongside your existing medical team and forms part of our wider approach to supporting people living with complex chronic conditions.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Most symptoms associated with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are not medical emergencies.

However, urgent assessment is required if you experience:

  • Sudden severe chest pain.

  • Sudden severe abdominal or back pain.

  • Collapse or loss of consciousness.

  • Sudden weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking.

  • Severe shortness of breath.

  • Uncontrolled bleeding following injury.


These symptoms are particularly important for people with known or suspected vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (vEDS), as they may indicate a serious vascular complication requiring immediate emergency treatment.


If you develop any of these symptoms, call 999 immediately or attend your nearest Emergency Department.


If you experience a new or worsening symptom that is concerning but not life-threatening, seek advice from your GP or NHS 24 (111 in Scotland).

If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or causing immediate concern, contact NHS 24 on 111. In a medical emergency, call 999 or attend your nearest Accident & Emergency department.

FAQs

Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome hereditary?

Yes. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by inherited changes affecting connective tissue. Most subtypes follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning they can be passed from one generation to the next. However, the way symptoms present can vary considerably, even within the same family.

No.

Many people have naturally flexible joints without having EDS. Hypermobile EDS involves joint hypermobility together with a wider range of symptoms such as chronic pain, recurrent joint instability, fatigue, skin changes and other connective tissue features.

The underlying genetic condition does not progressively damage the body in the same way as some neurological or inflammatory diseases. However, repeated injuries, chronic pain, muscle deconditioning and associated conditions can lead to increasing disability if symptoms are not appropriately managed.

Early diagnosis, education and rehabilitation may help reduce long-term complications.

There is currently no conventional cure.

Treatment focuses on improving quality of life through education, rehabilitation, symptom management and treatment of associated conditions.

Many people experience significant improvements in function and confidence with an individualised long-term management plan.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) share many symptoms and are managed in very similar ways.


The main difference lies in the diagnostic criteria. People with HSD have symptomatic joint hypermobility but do not meet all the current criteria for hypermobile EDS.


Importantly, HSD should not be considered a "milder" condition. Some people with HSD experience symptoms that are just as significant as those with hEDS.

Yes.

Autonomic dysfunction is common in people with hypermobile EDS, and some individuals develop Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, rapid heart rate and exercise intolerance are therefore routinely assessed as part of a comprehensive evaluation.

Yes.

Many people experience gastrointestinal symptoms including reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea or abdominal discomfort. These symptoms may relate to altered connective tissue, autonomic dysfunction or other associated conditions.


Persistent or severe digestive symptoms should always be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Yes—but exercise programmes should usually be individualised.

The aim is generally to improve strength, joint stability and endurance while reducing the risk of injury. High-impact activities may not be suitable for everyone, whereas low-impact exercise and carefully supervised rehabilitation are often beneficial.

Rowan Health provides personalised integrative support alongside your existing medical care.


Our assessment considers the wider impact of EDS, including pain, fatigue, autonomic symptoms, digestive health, sleep, physical function and quality of life. We then develop an individualised care plan designed to support long-term self-management and improve daily function.


Sources & references

International EDS Classification

Malfait F, Francomano C, Byers P, et al. The 2017 International Classification of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C. 2017;175C(1):8–26.

Diagnostic Criteria

Malfait F, Castori M, Francomano CA, et al. The 2017 International Diagnostic Criteria for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C. 2017;175C(1):27–39.

Clinical Management

Tinkle B, Castori M, Berglund B, et al.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (a.k.a. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders: Clinical Guidelines.

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C.

Primary Care

Gazit Y, Nahir AM, Grahame R, Jacob G.

Dysautonomia in the Joint Hypermobility Syndrome.

American Journal of Medicine.

GeneReviews®

Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, et al.

GeneReviews® – Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

University of Washington, Seattle.

NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary

Joint Hypermobility Syndrome.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

NHS

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes.

NHS England.

Clinical Review

Clinical content reviewed by

Rowan Health

Last reviewed:

28 July 2026

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Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can be challenging, particularly when symptoms affect several body systems at the same time. Whether you have recently been diagnosed or have been living with EDS for many years, understanding how the condition affects you as an individual is often the first step towards improving your quality of life.


At Rowan Health, we provide personalised integrative assessments designed to complement your existing medical care. Together, we explore the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a practical management plan tailored to your health, priorities and long-term goals.


Book an Initial Integrative Assessment to discuss your symptoms and explore a personalised approach to managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

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