A practical guide to hypermobility, connective tissue disorders, and finding what works for your day-to-day life.
By Maggie Buckley, MBA, BCPA | Medical Review by Dacre Knight, MD, MS, FACP
These come from contributors to our free eBook, When Your Body Needs More Care — one thought from each of the five pillars of health it's built around: movement, hydration & nutrition, sleep, mental health, and surroundings.
Shared for awareness — these are the contributors' own perspectives, not personalized medical advice, and not a guarantee that any of it will work the same way for you. Please check with your own healthcare provider before making changes to your care.
Movement
"A few minutes of gentle movement may reduce stiffness, improve circulation, hydrate the fascia, and help the nervous system feel more regulated without triggering a larger crash later."
Dr. Melissa Koehl, PT
Hydration & Nutrition
"Skipping meals or avoiding food in an effort to prevent or control symptoms can unintentionally worsen symptoms over time."
Erin Kolb, MSN, FNP-C
Sleep
"Sleep affects pain, pain affects the nervous system, the nervous system affects digestion, and digestion affects energy and nutrient status."
Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD
Mental Health
"Going beyond your pacing limit — your body's window of tolerance — agitates a very sensitive nervous system, which will respond with pain, fatigue, or both."
Dr. Chad Shepherd, Clinical Psychologist
Surroundings
"These details may seem small, but when they reduce extra reaching, standing, or sensory strain, they help preserve energy for the parts of life that matter more."
Maggie Buckley, MBA, BCPA
Disclosure: Maggie Buckley and Dr. Melissa Koehl are advisors to EDS Connective and may receive compensation or travel reimbursement; Dr. Koehl also maintains a business relationship with EDS Connective through Chimera Health. Full advisor disclosures are available at edsconnective.com/advisors.
Looking for a doctor or specialist near you? The Ehlers-Danlos Society keeps a global, provider-submitted directory of healthcare professionals.
Provided for convenience — EDS Connective doesn't operate this directory, vet the providers listed, or guarantee their availability or quality of care. Always confirm details directly with a provider's office.
Healthcare Professionals Directory
Search by region and specialty for EDS/HSD providers.
Programs designed specifically for hypermobile bodies focused on movement, strength, and nervous system regulation.
Shared for awareness — not a recommendation or endorsement of these organizations or their methods.
Movement & Rehabilitation
Founded by Jeannie Di Bon, MA, MSc & EDS Connective Advisor
A global online community describing itself as offering guided movement and rehabilitation programs built around the Integral Movement Method, for hypermobile bodies.
Disclosure: EDS Connective has an advisory and business relationship with Jeannie Di Bon and The Zebra Club.
Movement & Rehabilitation
Founded by Dr. Melissa Koehl, PT
The ChimeraFit method describes itself as blending Pilates, yoga, strength, and balance work, aimed at people with hypermobility and chronic pain, from a physical therapist who lives with hEDS herself.
Disclosure: EDS Connective has a business relationship with Dr. Melissa Koehl and Chimera Health.
Podcasts and other audio resources our team has come across.
Shared for awareness — not a recommendation or endorsement of any host, guest, or claim made in them.
Podcast
Bendy Bodies Podcast · Ep. 182
Hosted by hypermobility specialist Linda Bluestein, MD. An episode discussing missteps the host describes in EDS care.
Listen on Apple Podcasts →Podcast
Bendy Bodies Podcast · Ep. 184
Dacre Knight, MD, MS, FACP, discusses why he believes EDS, POTS, and MCAS are frequently missed.
Listen on Apple Podcasts →Films and documentaries exploring hEDS, HSD, and related connective tissue disorders.
Shared for awareness — not an endorsement of any perspective, treatment approach, or claim made.
Organizations doing advocacy, financial assistance, or education work in the hEDS, HSD, and broader connective tissue disorder space.
Shared for awareness — not an endorsement, and not a statement that we've vetted these organizations' finances, programs, or effectiveness. Please do your own research before donating or seeking support.
Advocacy & Education
The Ehlers-Danlos Society
An international nonprofit focused on research, education, diagnosis criteria, and advocacy for people affected by EDS and HSD.
The Ehlers-Danlos Society is EDS Connective's Diamond Sponsor.
Learn More →Financial & Practical Support
EDS Guardians
A patient-to-patient 501(c)(3) charity describing itself as working on a "pay-it-forward" model, sponsoring medical procedures, housing, and travel assistance for EDS patients.
Learn More →Pediatric Support
Sofia's Helping Hand
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting children with connective tissue disorders and invisible illnesses through community, education, care packages, and research funding.
Learn More →
