So, you have been diagnosed with EDS, now what? The good news is there are steps you can take to improve how your body functions, improve its joint stability and increase your strength safely with the guidance of a FORM Personal Trainer.

 

STEP ONE – Assessment

It is important for anyone who works with you to understand the physical limitations, or rather lack of limitations due to the symptoms of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. One of the biggest causes for concern when exercising is the increased hypermobility this condition poses. This is why a full assessment which involves looking at posture, assessing joint range of movement and correct muscle function are important before starting a strength training program.

 

STEP TWO – Personalised Programming

Once posture, imbalances and muscle function has been assessed, a FORM Personal Trainer will be able to design a specific program that will help to improve your posture, correct muscle function (if it is a problem) and prescribe specific exercises to help improve joint stability and tendon/ligament strength while in a safe training environment.

 

STEP THREE – Consistency

Work with a FORM trainer on a regular basis so you can learn as much as possible to safe guard yourself from injury and have the professional guidance to keep your training on the right track towards improving stability and strength without compromising injury.

 

KEYS to remember when Strength Training with EDS:

• Listen to your body, slow progressions with training are always best, keep it safe! Due to the increased joint instability your body is more prone to injury so learning how to move correctly, what is optimum posture (so you place the least amount of wear and tear on the body) is important.
• Use closed chain exercises – working with a stable surface helps to increase proprioception, joint stability and muscle recruitment.
• Short range of movements to start with will also lead to better joint stability.
• High repetitions with slow tempo will aid in increasing tendon and ligament strength.

 

If you would like some help to improve how your body functions and moves while preventing injury contact us today or start with an assessment.