If you live with a chronic condition like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), you know that even the smallest tasks can take everything out of you. Some days, just getting out of bed feels like a mountain to climb. When your body isn’t working the way you’d like it’s easy to feel stuck, frustrated, or even a little hopeless.
But you’re not alone. And movement, when it’s done the right way, can actually help make life feel more manageable and enjoyable again.
“How can physical therapy help make daily life more manageable?”
Natalie Black, OT, MOT: One of the biggest things physical therapy (and occupational therapy) can do is help build strength and stability in ways that feel gentle and supportive. For people with hypermobility or fatigue, we work on gradually strengthening the muscles that support your joints, improving tolerance for everyday activities, and helping reduce pain.
That said, I know a lot of people with POTS or EDS have had challenging experiences with therapy in the past, and maybe it left you flared up or confused. That’s why it’s so important to work with someone who gets it. Someone who truly understands not just the mechanics of your joints, but how chronic illness affects your whole system. The nervous system, digestion, energy, pain levels, emotions… it’s all connected. And all of it matters in your care.
“How do you use movement to rebuild strength and confidence?”
Natalie Black, OT, MOT: Movement, when done safely and in the right environment, can be a way back to yourself.
We use movement all day long to live our lives to cook, shop, clean, shower, socialize. When your body is hurting or too weak to do those things, it can make you feel like you’ve lost a part of who you are. But regaining even one of those things, maybe making your own breakfast again or driving to the store to pick up some items on the list, can be a huge step toward feeling more independent and more like you.
We’re not trying to get you to run marathons (unless that’s your goal!). We’re focused on helping you feel safe and capable of doing the things that matter most in your everyday life.
“What’s something physical therapy can do for chronic illness that people might not expect?”
Natalie Black, OT, MOT: Teach you to use your whole body better!
I’ve worked with patients who came in for one issue, (like headaches), and we ended up working on a wide range of symptoms: POTS rehab, TMJ re-regulation, vagus nerve stimulation, pelvic floor dysfunction, that burning “coat hanger” pain in the upper back, SI joint pain… the list goes on.
It’s all connected, and your body deserves a care plan that sees the full picture.
“Have you seen someone go from ‘I can’t do this anymore’ to ‘look what I can do now’?”
Natalie Black, OT, MOT: Yes! And it’s why I love what I do.
One patient I’ve worked with for over a year started out using a wheelchair and could only tolerate exercises lying down or sitting. And now she is walking independently and lifting weights, both in the clinic and on her own at the gym a few times a week.
I hope that gives hope to other people with chronic illness to know that when you are working with a qualified physical or occupational therapist who understands your condition, you can get back to doing the things you love.
“What do you wish more people understood about living with EDS or POTS?”
Natalie Black, OT, MOT: That these conditions are so much more than what most people think. EDS isn’t just about being hypermobile. POTS isn’t just about feeling dizzy when you stand. These conditions affect your whole life. Your energy, your gut, your mood, your sleep, your ability to plan or socialize.
I also wish people knew that hypermobile EDS is not degenerative in nature. That’s such a common fear. But there’s a lot of hope when you find the right team. There are tools, strategies, and people who truly understand what you’re going through, and want to help you feel better.
Are you or someone you love dealing with chronic illness and want support in managing your condition?
If you’ve been struggling to feel like yourself again, please know that it doesn’t have to stay that way. You deserve care that sees your whole story and gives you the space, support, and tools to take steps forward. Progress is possible.
Schedule an appointment with a Spooner physical or occupational therapist today to see how you can get back to your daily life with chronic illness.