Are you tired of feeling like a wet noodle with EDS? That is exactly what I felt like when I broke my tibia rolling my weak ankle in 2021. Or rather, my weak ankle broke my tibia by hitting it so hard that it collapsed under me. (Pro-tip: Look where you are jumping before you hop off a rock lol.) The good news is that rebuilding and strengthening your connective tissue is possible, and it all starts with a proper exercise program like SALT.
First, it’s important to understand that our connective tissue (including ligaments and tendons) is responsible for supporting and stabilizing our joints. When it’s not functioning optimally, it can lead to various issues including pain, weakness, and impaired mobility. Which if you are reading this, I am sure you are familiar with. For those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), the challenges of maintaining healthy connective tissue can be even greater. However, there are steps that you can take to support and rebuild your connective tissue.
WE MUST FIRST BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION
One thing to keep in mind is that high-impact exercises like running or jumping can be harmful to our already fragile connective tissue. Especially if started in the beginning of training. That is why we will not be doing those in SALT for quite some time. We will get there, but we will not start there. It’s important to be mindful of your form and technique when exercising with EDS. Proper alignment and body mechanics can help to reduce the risk of injury and keep your joints in a safe position. We must first build a strong foundation and give our tendons time to adapt to a new training load. By progressively working upwards, we will set ourselves up for a future that is a LOT more pain-free. Added exercises like swimming, rowing, and recumbent biking also provide a great workout without the added stress on your joints.
INCORPORATING RESISTANCE TRAINING
In addition to low-impact exercises, incorporating resistance training into your routine can also help to build and strengthen your connective tissue. You can gradually increase the intensity by using weights or resistance bands as your connective tissue becomes stronger and more resilient. In SALT, we will make sure to focus on proper form to avoid injury as well. If you are not sure about your form, just ask. The community spaces are a great place to post questions if you have them.
But the benefits of an EDS-specific exercise program continue beyond there. It’s also important to have a supportive community to turn to for guidance and encouragement. Living with EDS can be isolating, but participating in a program like this can provide a sense of connection with others who understand what you are going through. We are in this together, and we all want the same thing, to live the best version of ourselves. By incorporating low-impact exercises, resistance training, and a supportive community into your routine, you can improve the health and function of your connective tissue and enjoy your favorite activities without fear of injury.
