Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in Knoxville, TN
Specialized Care for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobility in Knoxville
Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or hypermobility can make everyday activities more difficult. Joint instability, frequent sprains, and pain can interfere with school, work, sports, and family life. While there is no cure, specialized physical therapy helps protect joints, build stability, and improve quality of life.
At Marino Physiotherapy in Knoxville, we create personalized treatment plans for patients with EDS and hypermobility disorders. Our goal is to help you move with greater confidence, reduce pain, and prevent recurring injuries.
Why Choose Marino Physiotherapy for EDS in Knoxville?
Local expertise: Serving Knoxville with one-on-one treatment tailored to complex conditions.
Specialized training: Therapists experienced in joint stabilization, manual therapy, and hypermobility-safe exercise.
Compassionate care: We understand the challenges of living with EDS and create programs at your pace.
Trusted by patients: 5-star rated with 135+ Google reviews from the Knoxville community.
Common EDS & Hypermobility Challenges We Treat
EDS affects every patient differently, but some of the most common presentations we see include:
- Joint instability and frequent sprains
- Chronic pain and muscle fatigue
- Subluxations and dislocations
- Neck pain and headaches from cervical instability
- Postural issues and balance problems, addressed through our Balance and Gait Center
- Back pain and spine instability
- Foot and ankle pain due to lax ligament support
- Difficulty with exercise due to overuse or flare-ups
EDS also commonly co-occurs with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). If you experience symptoms like lightheadedness or rapid heart rate upon standing alongside your hypermobility, our POTS Management Program may be an important part of your care plan.
Our EDS & Hypermobility Therapy Approach
Our therapists focus on safe, progressive care designed to protect your joints while improving strength and control. Depending on your presentation, your plan may include:
Joint Stabilization Training
Strengthens the muscles surrounding hypermobile joints to reduce instability and injury risk. This is the cornerstone of orthopedic therapy for EDS patients.
Postural and Core Control
Builds alignment and stability to reduce pain and prevent compensatory movement patterns. Our dedicated Posture Program can complement your EDS care if postural issues are a major concern.
Manual Therapy
Gentle hands-on techniques relieve soft tissue tension and help maintain functional mobility without stressing fragile connective tissue.
Low-Impact Strength Training
Improves function and builds tissue resilience without overstressing joints or triggering flare-ups. For patients with significant biomechanical concerns, our Advanced Biomechanical Assessments can help us build a more precise treatment plan.
Dry Needling
For patients dealing with muscle pain and trigger points alongside joint hypermobility, dry needling can provide meaningful pain relief and improve muscle activation.
Orthotics Support
Foot and ankle instability is common in EDS. Our Foot Levelers scanning and custom orthotics service provides added joint support during daily activities.
Education and Lifestyle Strategies
Learn how to protect joints, pace activity, manage flares, and exercise safely for the long term.
Meet Your Therapist
Dr. Waleed Salah, PT, DPT, COMT
Dr. Salah earned his B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina in 2020 and worked as a physical therapy aide in Columbia, SC before completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy at South College. He is a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) through the Aspire Orthopedic Manual Therapy Institute and is working toward fellowship with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT).
He specializes in helping patients with complex orthopedic and connective tissue conditions like EDS, using research-based, joint-safe approaches to build strength and restore confidence in movement.
FAQs About Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Treatment in Knoxville
Can physical therapy help with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Yes. While EDS cannot be cured, physical therapy strengthens the muscles around joints, improves posture, and reduces pain, helping patients stay active and independent.
What exercises are safe for people with EDS?
Safe options include low-impact strengthening, stability training, and core control exercises. Overstretching and high-impact workouts should generally be avoided, especially early in treatment.
Can physical therapy prevent joint dislocations in EDS?
Physical therapy cannot eliminate the risk entirely, but joint stabilization and muscle strengthening significantly reduce the frequency of subluxations and dislocations.
Is bracing or taping helpful for EDS?
Yes. Bracing and kinesio taping provide external support and reduce strain on unstable joints, especially during activity.
When should someone with EDS see a physical therapist?
If joint instability, pain, or frequent sprains are interfering with daily life, work, or activity, it is best to see a PT early before symptoms worsen.
Do you treat children and young adults with hypermobility in Knoxville?
Yes. We provide safe, age-appropriate therapy plans for children, teens, and adults with EDS or hypermobility disorders.
Does EDS affect balance and coordination?
Yes, and this is often underaddressed. Our Balance and Gait Center uses specialized equipment to improve stability and movement control in patients with connective tissue disorders.
Can EDS overlap with fibromyalgia?
Some patients experience both conditions simultaneously. If widespread pain and fatigue are part of your picture, our team is experienced in treating fibromyalgia alongside connective tissue conditions.
Related Conditions We Treat
EDS rarely exists in isolation. Many of our EDS patients also receive care for:
- POTS Management (commonly co-occurs with hypermobility)
- Chronic Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Back Pain and Spine Conditions
- Shoulder Pain
- Hip and Knee Pain
Take the Next Step Toward Stability and Confidence
Don’t let EDS or hypermobility hold you back. At Marino Physiotherapy, our Knoxville-based therapists help you build strength, reduce pain, and prevent injuries with research-backed, personalized treatment.
Contact us today to schedule your EDS and hypermobility evaluation.
Margaret Neate
I am so pleased with all the positive experiences I have had with Alina Marino in physical therapy. I was in so much pain that I thought I would have to see my spine specialist recently for leg pain, but I saw Alaina first. She understood exactly what had happened to both my nerves and muscles and how to ease the pain and move forward with treatments. I was amazed at how much she knows and explains so well. Also, the assigned exercises are not overwhelming as they have been in the past with other PTs, which makes them easier to do everyday.
joanna tinker
Save time and stop here first! I’m so thankful to have finally found Marino Physiotherapy in my long journey to getting my body healthier and stronger. I’ve struggled with low back issues for 20+ years and have tried numerous Chiropractors, PTs and other therapies to address the issue. In a very short time (1month) I feel like I have made more progress than I have in years. The Marino team is professional and compassionate. Danny has been encouraging and given me many tools to both understand and help my body work better with less pain. I love that they offer workshops and so many varied therapy options. This is no average run-of-the-mill PT clinic. The Marino team is comprehensive, educational, compassionate, and effective care.