Is it advisable to do exercise when affected by Ehlers Danlos? Which activities would you suggest and how intense should they be?

See if it is advisable for people with Ehlers Danlos to practice sports and which ones are the most recommended if you have Ehlers Danlos

Posted Apr 11, 2017 by Montana 1670

Low impact exercise can be very beneficial for EDS, like swimming. Weight training is also very helpful. Things like running are often too high impact and can cause much more pain.

Posted May 10, 2017 by stairphobe 3070

DO NOT do sports that involve impact. That can only damage more and more your joints and cause pain. Swimming is the best exercise. That and Pilates, although geneticists and Rheumatologist have said that swimming is the best.
Do what you can. Don't do too much exercise because then you will feel the pain.

Posted May 25, 2017 by Maria 2051

Exercise is important as long as it it low impact. Swimming is the preferred exercise by my rheumatologist. Physical and occupational therapy are also a good idea.

Posted May 26, 2017 by Stephanie 800

Exercise is good for eds patients. Best to get your dr to approve what you plan to prevent damaging your joints. I found Pilates really good

Posted May 27, 2017 by Jude 2050

Avoid high impact exercises that could damage your joints further.Exercising under the guidance of a PT is the safest to prevent more damage. Swimming is particularly good for us.

Posted May 27, 2017 by Ashley 950

Exercise is variable. Do low impact exercise if possible while carefully protecting joints. However, for some, none is advisable

Posted May 28, 2017 by Celi 2000

Yes. If the pain can be tolerated, physical activity is Crucial. NEVER do anything high impact, but I urge you to exercise using water, Pilates, isometric (using your own body weight) techniques, etc. Trust me, if you can tolerate it and not get injured, push through for 30 minutes a day. Being strong and active is the best medicine long term.

Posted May 31, 2017 by KathrynOConnor 2200

Stretching is the most someone should do with EDS, it's highly discouraged to exercise beyond a certain point.

Posted Sep 27, 2017 by Lbond94 4100

Low impact exercise is ok but contact sports and high impact exercise is highly discouraged

Posted Oct 6, 2017 by Sasha 2050

Yes and swimming is great for ehlers danlos

Posted Oct 7, 2017 by Sharon 7050

You should talk with your doctor, but many people do still exercise. Low impact sports such as swimming, biking, and elliptical use are recommendes often, but make sure to be using any braces and supports needed or recommended by your doctor.

Posted Oct 7, 2017 by Brittany 500

As we are all unique, we should adhere to activities that strengthen without causing undo stress on our weak/fragile tissues. For me, walking has been instrumental, it connects me with nature, is great for cardiovascular health and promotes muscle tone resulting in less stress on my tendons and ligaments. When I was younger I used weights, ran, golfed, bowled, danced etc. but as I've aged those activities seem to cause injuries that never seem to heal.

Posted Oct 25, 2017 by Dolores 3050

yes actually. Take it easy on the repetitive joint impact type of exercise (like running), and if you have any type of orthostatic intolerance it's probably best to stay horizontal as much as possible until you build some new nerve tissue in your legs first. But strength training in a way that works for you to help keep your joints in place is great for hEDS, kEDS, and cEDS and a physical therapist helps. Swimming also is great exercise.

Posted May 26, 2018 by Danielle 1500

You have to be careful with exercise, start with PT and follow the recommendations of your therapists. Some types of exercise are just too harsh and can cause dislocations.

Posted Mar 21, 2019 by pianocat_61 1400

Do not do competitive sports and no gymnastics

Posted Sep 29, 2019 by Amy 13500

Physical therapy is a great place to find out specifically the kind of exercises that will help. Doing light exercise to help maintain your muscles helps stabilize your joints. Swimming or water based exercise is gentle on joints as well. Pilates is designed to be able to be modified for fitness levels and injuries. Be careful with things like yoga or weight lifting which will strain or injure delicate joints.

Posted May 12, 2020 by Alex 3551

Depends on which type you have and usually you will want to avoid stretching due to elasticity and joints

Posted Nov 19, 2021 by NuNu 2550

Yes however no high impact

Posted Nov 28, 2022 by Taiy rinaldi-bull 600

Translated from spanish Improve translation

That depends on each person and their symptoms, but in general if it is good to do low-impact sports such as the nation, walking, yoga

Posted Mar 25, 2017 by Paula Lopez 1151

Translated from french Improve translation

The movement is essential in the management of the syndrome. Rehabilitation with a physio or even practices such as qi-gong or yoga so that control can bring a lot of benefits. The practice of swimming or activity in fresh water are also beneficial.

Posted Aug 16, 2017 by Apolline 1205

Translated from french Improve translation

It is highly recommended to keep an activity adapted physical. Swimming, bike riding, sports soft are those who are privileged. Avoid sports where hits are frequent, the sports too sudden...

Posted Aug 17, 2017 by Sandrine 1790

Translated from french Improve translation

Yes the sport is possible, but by taking provisions. Oxygen therapy before and after the effort and set of rules.
No contact sport
No sport traction or weight bearing.
Swimming and riding are recommended. Swimming, because the water does not have the weight of the body and work every muscle. Of course not crawl or butterfly in order to preserve the shoulder. The riding for the empathy of the horses.
The song, which is seeking 300 muscles is also a way to build up muscles and clear the head.
When the frequency and intensity it is necessary to do sports if our body permits but moderately. The aim is to strengthen the muscles around the joints to keep the past well-housed.

Posted Aug 30, 2017 by Ehos 1050

Translated from portuguese Improve translation

Execícios physical impact are not advisable for people with chronic pain. Exercises such as swimming water aerobics ride the bike to generate the benefit. However, are all long-term.

Posted Aug 30, 2017 by Kayla Rarine 2000