Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for EDS and HSD
Are you experiencing joint hypermobility, easily bruising skin, or other
connective tissue problems that your doctor has struggled to diagnose?
You may consider getting evaluated for Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) or
hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) at Casa Colina Hospital and Centers
for Healthcare.
What Are Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes?
EDS and HSD are a group of genetic disorders that affect connective tissues,
particularly the skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessel walls, and internal
organs. Symptoms may vary depending on the form and severity of the condition.
Classified into several distinct subtypes, EDS are genetic disorders that
vary both in how they affect the body and in their genetic causes. While
there is no cure for EDS, symptoms can be treated to improve mobility
and overall quality of life. The three main subtypes of EDS are Classic,
Hypermobile, and Vascular.
Symptoms often include but aren’t limited to:
Loose or unstable joints
Frequent joint dislocation
Chronic joint pain
Chronic gastrointestinal symptoms
Kyphoscoliosis
Highly elastic, velvety skin
Frequent allergic type reactions
Fragile or easily bruised skin
Chronic headaches or neck pain
Abnormal scarring
Slow wound healing
Heart valve problems
Increased heart rate and dizziness
Evaluation and Treatment
If you or a loved one has already been diagnosed with an EDS or HSD, you
probably know how hard it is to find clinicians with experience treating
these conditions. Our program is overseen by a family medicine doctor
with more than 10 years’ experience treating EDS and HSD.
If your symptoms suggest EDS, we can offer diagnostic testing by history
and physical exam, as well as genetic testing (dependent on your insurance
coverage) to rule out some of the more uncommon types of EDS. Once a diagnosis
is confirmed, our physician specialist will work with your primary care
doctor to develop a comprehensive, therapy-based treatment plan to alleviate
your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Because EDS sometimes presents with co-morbidities, our specialist will
also perform a
comprehensive evaluation of your neurological health, heart health, and
more, examining symptoms, family medical history, and medical test results.
Casa Colina staff will also coordinate annual follow-ups to ensure your
treatment plan—which will likely include
physical therapy and
occupational therapy—is continuing to work for you.
Experienced Therapists Who Know EDS
Casa Colina offers a dedicated, comprehensive EDS program, including specially
trained therapists who work with EDS patients on a regular basis. Casa
Colina is home to a wide range of therapeutic specialists, including physical,
occupational, and
hand therapists,
speech-language pathologists, and
pelvic floor specialists experienced in treating complex conditions.
Our EDS therapy team will tailor your treatment plan to your unique condition,
employing safe,
effective exercises such as light weight training, isometric holds, and
the option for aquatic therapy. Our therapy plans focus on building strength
and endurance, protecting your joints, and improving your stability, all
with the goal of getting you back to doing the things you love.
Recognized Expertise
As of June 2024, Casa Colina is one of only 17 facilities in the United
States and one of 3 in California recognized by the Ehlers-Danlos Society’s
Centers and Networks of Excellence program. Recognized programs demonstrate
a commitment to the mission of the Ehlers-Danlos Society, increasing the
availability of clinical services, decreasing the diagnostic odyssey,
and standardizing communication and patient-centered care for those impacted
by these complex disorders. Criteria for recognition include a commitment
to inclusivity and patient validation, demonstrated proficiency and up-to-date
training in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
(HSD), and an organizational commitment to EDS/HSD research and education.
Other Expert Staff
If you are living with an EDS, then you know its symptoms can be wide-ranging
and extend beyond the scope of primary care. Casa Colina is home to a
range of physician specialists who are available to help treat any number
of complex EDS symptoms.
Our program refers patients to other specialists as needed, many of which
are right here on our
20-acre Pomona campus. These may include:
Cardiologists
Gastroenterologists
Neurologists
Neurosurgeons
Psychologists/Neuropsychologists
Pain management specialists
Radiologists
Rheumatologists
Urologists
Community Support
Casa Colina recognizes the need for increased resources for individuals
diagnosed with EDS and HSD. That’s why we offer a monthly EDS support
group. Our group offers not only emotional and peer support, but important
educational information. For more information
visit our Support Groups page.
For more information or to schedule an evaluation with our team, please call
909/596-7733, ext. 3800 or toll-free
866/724-4127, ext. 3800 or
contact us now.
