Doctors Say hEDS Can’t Be Treated. They’re Wrong—Here’s What Actually Works

If you’ve ever been told by a doctor that hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) can’t be treated—only “managed”—you’re not alone. But that doesn’t make it true.

In fact, the idea that these conditions can’t be treated is rooted in a limited definition of medicine.

What many doctors mean is that there are no pharmaceutical treatments that correct the root causes. Most conventional options just mask symptoms—and often come with a long list of side effects.

But there's another way.

There are safe, effective, and evidence-based natural approaches that do work—ones that help your body heal from the inside out.

🏛 The 4 Pillars of Healing Hypermobility Conditions

Healing from hEDS or HSD doesn’t require fancy specialists or invasive interventions. It begins with accessible, affordable tools that support your unique body. These four pillars are essential:

1. Nutritional Supplements

Inexpensive, over-the-counter, good-for-you vitamins, minerals, and herbs support your connective tissue health.

Certain herbs and nutrients are especially supportive for people with hypermobility, and different ones are applicable to different conditions that commonly manifest in people with hypermobility. Additionally, they are an easy place to start because:

• You don’t need a prescription to get started

• Nutritional supplements are much safer than pharmaceutical alternatives

• Nutritional supplements are generally inexpensive--there are even wildgrown herbs that are proven to be beneficial...and free!

2. Simple Exercises

Easy-to-do exercises prevent problems, heal injuries, and enhance the strength of the hypermobile body.

When done thoughtfully, movement becomes medicine. Even if exercise sounds impossible while you suffer with pain and fatigue, there are easy exercises that can make a huge difference. These exercises aren’t about intense cardio or lifting heavy weights—they’re about:

• Releasing and toning the fascia that may be causing a lot of pain and stiffness

• Activating stabilizing muscles that will protect your joints

• Moving in ways that restore joint alignment and reduce pain

3. Lifestyle Considerations

Accommodations and habit changes help a hypermobile body stay comfortable and be long lived and vibrant.

Understanding the needs of the hypermobile body is key to figuring out simple hacks and ways of building your world that will keep you comfortable. Prevent hyperextensions, subluxations, and dislocations, and avoid things that will trigger symptom flares. When you align your lifestyle with your body’s needs, you create the foundation for long-term wellness. This includes strategies like:

• Improving movement habits

• Wearing joint supports when needed

• Recognizing the body's cues and then following them

4. Alternative Techniques

Self-treatments (which are free) and services provided by professionals in your town enhance your health and help you feel better.

You don’t have to wait for permission to try them—and they can make an immediate difference. There are dozens of techniques that might help you, including:

• Myofascial Release Massage

• Lymph Drainage Massage

• Vagus Nerve Activation

🌱 The 4 Vital Qualities of a Healing Protocol

Not all treatments are created equal. For a protocol to truly help someone with hEDS or HSD, it needs to be:

🔬 Backed by Science and Clinical Success

The strategies in Hypermobile and Happy aren’t based on guesswork—they’re supported by real-world results and documented studies. Turn to the End Notes to find links to the scientific literature that explains everything in details.

💸 Easy to Access and Easy to Do

Natural and holistic treatments are either free or low-cost, do not require prescriptions, and are easy to find or do yourself. This makes healing not only possible-- regardless of where you live, how much money you have, or what your educations is--but also sustainable.

🛡 Safe

Whereas medical treatments come with long lists of side effects and risks, natural treatments are generally safe. This is especially important for people with sensitivities, medication intolerances, or coexisting conditions like MCAS.

✅ Effective

Natural treatments don’t just help you cope—they help you change the course of your condition. They work so well that you won't have to continue most of them for the rest of your life. You will heal and be able to stop the treatments. You will be able to live a normal life.

🎯 You Can Feel Better

If you’ve been told there's no hope beyond symptom management, know this: you are not broken, and your body is capable of healing. You just need the right tools.

That’s why I wrote Hypermobile and Happy—to give people with hEDS and HSD a reliable, empowering roadmap forward. I hope you'll start your healing journey today...and message me to let me know how it goes!