Comprehensive Management for Hypermobility & EDS in Los Angeles

Navigating life with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) in Los Angeles presents unique challenges, often including chronic pain, fatigue, joint instability, autonomic issues, and more. Finding knowledgeable, validating care is crucial. Dr. Zev Nevo offers an integrative, knowledgeable, and patient-centered approach at Body and Mind Pain Center, addressing the multi-systemic nature of these connective tissue disorders.

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Understanding Hypermobility/EDS:

These conditions involve differences in connective tissue, leading to increased joint flexibility and a range of potential symptoms:

  • Widespread joint pain, subluxations, or dislocations.
  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain (often amplified by central sensitization).
  • Fatigue and sleep disturbances.
  • Autonomic dysfunction (e.g., POTS – dizziness, rapid heart rate upon standing).
  • Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., IBS-like symptoms, dysmotility).
  • Skin fragility or stretchiness (more prominent in certain EDS types).
  • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) related symptoms.
  • Co-occurring anxiety.

Our Integrated Management Approach:

Dr. Nevo provides comprehensive support for HSD/EDS in Los Angeles, focusing on stability, pain management, addressing co-occurring conditions, and improving quality of life:

  • Diagnosis & Assessment: Thorough clinical evaluation based on current diagnostic criteria, PM&R functional assessment, OMT evaluation of joint mechanics/stability.
  • Medical Clinic Services: * OMT: Gentle techniques focusing on improving proprioception, addressing somatic dysfunction, reducing compensatory muscle guarding without overstretching. * Diagnostic Ultrasound: Assessing tendon/ligament integrity, identifying associated bursitis or nerve irritation. * Regenerative Medicine: Carefully considered Prolotherapy or PRP for specific areas of painful ligamentous laxity contributing to instability (requires appropriate candidate selection). * Ultrasound-Guided Injections: For co-existing trigger points, bursitis, or nerve irritation.
  • Wellness Clinic Services:
    • Functional Medicine: Investigating and supporting gut health, nutrient deficiencies (Vitamin C, minerals), mast cell activation, autonomic function.
    • Mind-Body Rehabilitation: Crucial for managing pain amplification (PRT), autonomic dysregulation (POTS strategies, HeartMath, SSP), anxiety, fatigue (pacing), and building resilience.
    • Personalized Exercise: Guidance on stabilization exercises (avoiding excessive stretching), proprioceptive training, safe movement patterns.

     

Patient Empowerment & Goals:

We focus on empowering you with knowledge about HSD/EDS, providing strategies for joint protection, pain self-management, energy conservation, managing co-morbidities, and improving overall function and autonomy.

The Body and Mind Pain Center Difference:

Dr. Nevo offers specific experience and an integrated model for managing complex conditions like HSD/EDS in Los Angeles. Our evidence-based, patient-centered, fiduciary care approach ensures careful, personalized management within a safe and validating environment, utilizing resources from both our Medical and Wellness Clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How is HSD/EDS diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on standardized criteria (like the 2017 HSD/EDS criteria) assessing joint hypermobility, skin features, tissue fragility, and systemic manifestations. Dr. Nevo conducts a thorough history and physical exam using these criteria. Genetic testing is usually reserved for rarer EDS types.

Can OMT help hypermobile joints?

Yes, gentle OMT can be very helpful, but not by increasing flexibility. Instead, it focuses on improving joint position sense (proprioception), reducing protective muscle spasms around unstable joints, addressing related pain from somatic dysfunction, and gently improving overall body mechanics without causing strain.

Is Regenerative Medicine (PRP/Prolo) safe for EDS/HSD?

This requires careful consideration and expert application due to the underlying connective tissue differences. For specific, well-defined areas of painful ligament laxity causing significant instability (e.g., SI joints), Prolotherapy or PRP may be beneficial for some patients, but candidacy must be assessed individually, weighing potential benefits against risks. Dr. Nevo utilizes an evidence-based approach.

How do you address POTS or autonomic symptoms?

Management is multi-faceted. Strategies may include optimizing hydration/electrolytes, compression wear, specific exercise protocols (like the Levine Protocol, often starting recumbent), Functional Medicine support for contributing factors (e.g., nutrient status, MCAS), and Mind-Body techniques (HeartMath, SSP, breathing) to improve autonomic regulation.

What kind of exercise is recommended?

The focus is almost always on low-impact stabilization and proprioceptive exercises. This builds muscular support around joints without overstretching. Examples include modified Pilates, isometric exercises, balance training, and aquatic therapy. Our Wellness Clinic or knowledgeable PTs provide guidance. Avoiding party tricks or pushing joints to end-range is key.

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