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For EDS, Hypermobility Spectrum, and Complex Healing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EDS genetic?
Yes. Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes are genetic connective tissue disorders. While not every person with hypermobility receives a formal EDS diagnosis, both benefit from similar care and movement strategies.
Can I still exercise with EDS?
Yes, but it must be tailored to your body’s needs. Gentle, progressive strength building and proprioceptive training are essential for joint stability and energy management. It's important to start with stability before strengthening.
Will I get worse over time?
Not necessarily. With informed care and consistent, respectful movement practices, many people reduce their symptoms, stabilize their joints, and regain function.
What is proprioception, and why does it matter?
Proprioception is your internal sense of body position and movement. In hypermobility, proprioception is often reduced, which increases injury risk. Proprioceptive training improves safety and confidence.
Is EDS just about joints?
No. Connective tissue exists throughout the body—including skin, vessels, digestive system, and the nervous system. That’s why symptoms are widespread and why holistic care is essential.
Do you work with people who suspect they have EDS but aren’t diagnosed?
Yes. Many of my clients are in the process of getting clarity around their diagnosis. You do not need a formal diagnosis to benefit from these practices.
Books:
Foundations & Advocacy:
Blogs & Websites:
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome affects blood flow and heart rate, causing symptoms like:
POTS often accompanies EDS and hypermobility but can be supported through breathwork, pacing, gentle movement, and clinical care.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome involves mast cells over-releasing chemicals, causing:
Care strategies include nervous system calming, identifying triggers, and sometimes medical treatment. In my classes and consultations, I gently weave in supportive practices for nervous system health that complement care for MCAS.
You are not alone in this complexity. There are supportive paths forward.
What does sensorimotor mean?
Sensorimotor refers to the relationship between what we sense and how we move. When this system is disrupted—by injury, trauma, stress—our movements and reactions can become disorganized. I work to reconnect those loops through multisensory input and embodied practice.
Do you work with groups or families?
Yes. I offer small group sessions, family work, and partner sessions. Healing can be amplified in community, and I encourage shared learning when it feels right.
What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal Theory helps us understand how the nervous system responds to safety and threat. It shows us that healing doesn’t happen through force—it happens through regulation. I use this framework to help you learn how to shift your own state gently and consistently.
Do you accept Insurance?
Unfortunately, I'm not able to accept insurance as the time and resources required detract from my ability to spend a maximum amount of time with clients. Practices who accept insurance typically need to spend short amounts of 1:1 time with their patients in order to stay open, and aren’t able to treat more than one area of the body at a time. I’m a whole body therapist and believe that there is an integration of my body and spirit in all things. In order to most effectively treat patients with complex musculoskeletal systems, more direct time with the patient is critical for achieving successful outcomes. I only see one client at a time rather than stacking appointments on top of one another.
Because Healing with Heart does not bill insurance, I'm able to provide preventative, wellness, performance enhancing services and long term maintenance that is not ‘medically necessary’. Your insurance company no longer calls the shots- you do!
What makes this different than traditional PT?
At Healing with heart, I understand that navigating chronic pain and hypermobility syndromes demands more than just generic solutions. It requires a personalized approach that addresses your unique needs and goals. That’s why developed 1:1 program to offer you the support, understanding, and evidence-based techniques you need to explore and understand your condition.
My expertise is working with people with complex conditions that may create unsafe movement. I work specifically with people with hyper mobility, ME/CFS, and the other auto immune disease.
It's important to understand who is in my class so that I can teach to the class safely and effectively. I may recommend a different type of class if I see that particularly level of education may be too challenging or risky for your particular body.
All classes will involve breath work, safe movement, postural awareness and strengthening components. I believe in the power of group and that people can learn how to work within their disability in order to participate in community classes and to be able to educate their healthcare professionals about what works for them and what doesn't work. Empowerment, Community and joyful fun are the key components of all classes that you will experience.
Dr. Anna McConville
Content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for medical advice. Anna McConville shall not be held liable for any visitor's use of this site's content. Content on this website should always be used with the participation of your licensed healthcare professional.Copyright © 2020 Anna McConville.com - All Rights Reserved.