Ehlers Danlos greater life chiropractic charlotte

The Basics of Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome

Greater Life Chiropractic and Dr. Grant Lisetor are committed to serving our Charlotte community with insight and care – especially those who are dealing with a challenging diagnosis. Many individuals visit us searching for answers about chronic joint discomfort, frequent sprains, or unusual flexibility. In some cases, these signs can be traced back to a lesser-known condition: Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

What Is Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome?

EDS is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders. Connective tissue supports and structures everything from your joints and your skin to your internal organs. In people with EDS, the body produces faulty collagen, leading to fragile, overly flexible, or stretchy tissues.

The condition is usually genetic, but some individuals may be diagnosed early due to noticeable symptoms, while others may not discover they have EDS until later in life when joint issues or other complications become more persistent.

Types of Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome

There are three main categories of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and each presents differently. They are:

  • Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) – The most frequently diagnosed type is characterized by extreme joint hypermobility, frequent joint discomfort, and mild skin involvement. Unlike other types, hEDS doesn’t yet have a confirmed genetic marker, so diagnosis is clinical.
  • Classical EDS – Marked by soft, stretchy skin and joint laxity, this type may also include delayed wound healing and visible scarring.
  • Vascular EDS – One of the more serious forms, vEDS involves fragile blood vessels and organs, which can lead to life-threatening complications and often requires close medical monitoring.

Common EDS Symptoms

Despite their differences, many forms of EDS share overlapping features. These may include:

  • Dislocating and spraining joints often
  • Chronic musculoskeletal discomfort
  • Unusual skin texture (soft, velvety, or stretchy)
  • Poor wound healing or easy bruising
  • Fatigue and poor proprioception (awareness of joint position)

For those with vascular EDS, internal complications such as organ rupture or blood vessel fragility can be life-threatening. This is why early recognition and individualized support are so important.

How Chiropractic Supports EDS Management

While EDS cannot be reversed, individuals can often experience improvements in quality of life through informed care strategies. At Greater Life Chiropractic, Dr. Lisetor focuses on stabilizing and strengthening the musculoskeletal system through:

  • Gentle chiropractic adjustments tailored to each individual’s needs and structural vulnerabilities
  • Muscle-focused exercises that encourage better joint support
  • Postural and ergonomic guidance to avoid overextending joints during daily activities
  • Education and awareness about safe movement patterns

Our goal is always to be mindful of these disorders and to educate our community about when pressure and strain are doing more harm than good.

EDS Awareness Begins with Understanding

Ehlers‑Danlos Syndromes may be rare, but many individuals with chronic joint issues or unusual flexibility go years without a diagnosis. Knowing the signs—and how to respond to them—is a powerful first step.

Dr. Grant Lisetor and our team are proud to serve as a supportive resource in the Charlotte chiropractic community. If you or a loved one is navigating concerns around joint instability or connective tissue health, reach out to us today. Together, we can work toward strength, stability, and greater confidence in your movement.

Sources

Colloca, C.J., Polkinghorn, B.S. “Chiropractic management of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a report of two cases.” Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, 2003 Sep; 26 (7): 448-59. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12975632/

“What is EDS?” https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/