Special Populations
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
A medically diagnosed connective tissue condition that changes how care is delivered.
Also called: EDS.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is diagnosed and managed medically. It affects connective tissue throughout the body, which can mean more mobile joints, more variable pain patterns, and a different response to manual therapy than would generally be expected.
Where care is appropriate at all, it is low-force, control-focused, and coordinated with the person's broader medical team rather than delivered in isolation.
Why this matters
People with EDS are often given generic advice that does not suit them, since standard approaches to stretching or manual therapy can sometimes aggravate symptoms in hypermobile joints.
Knowing the diagnosis changes the plan from the start, shifting the focus toward stability and control rather than increasing movement.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Position sense is frequently less reliable where connective tissue is affected, since ligaments contribute to that sense. Balance and coordination are particularly relevant areas to evaluate as a result.
Care focuses on supporting the nervous system's control of movement rather than attempting to change the underlying connective tissue itself.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
EDS requires medical management. Forceful techniques are not appropriate, and instability symptoms are referred.
- New or worsening instability symptoms
- Sudden severe joint pain or suspected dislocation
- Symptoms suggesting cervical instability
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Family Wellness — Care for children and adults is individualized in technique and force.
- Chiari Malformation — A medical condition requiring specialist care — support only, within scope.
- Growing-Related Musculoskeletal Pain — Aching in growing children, which should first be medically evaluated.
- Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder — Greater than average joint movement, with symptoms that come with it.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.