How Dry Needling Supports Hypermobility Disorders

Living with Hypermobility Syndromes or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) often means navigating frequent joint pain, muscle imbalances, and instability that can affect everyday life. Because of the hypermobility that comes with EDS, muscles surrounding the joints often take on extra work to stabilize and protect the body. This can lead to chronic tightness, trigger points, and fatigue, especially in the hips, low back, and core. One tool that has shown promise in helping people with EDS manage these challenges is dry needling, a targeted technique used by physical therapists to release tension and restore balance in overworked muscles.

Why Muscle Imbalances Happen in EDS

In hypermobile bodies, ligaments and connective tissues don’t provide the same level of stability as they do in people without EDS. This means muscles have to compensate. For example, weak or underactive glute muscles can force smaller stabilizing muscles in the hips and low back to overwork, creating painful trigger points. Similarly, without proper core engagement, surrounding muscles become tight and strained as they try to “brace” the body with every movement.

This cycle of instability → muscle overuse → pain is common for people with EDS, but it’s also an area where physical therapy and dry needling can make a big difference.

How Dry Needling Helps

Dry needling uses a thin, filiform needle to target trigger points or “knots” in tight muscles. For people with EDS, this can help in several ways:

• Releasing overworked muscles: Dry needling can calm down the muscles that have been compensating for weak glutes or core, giving them a chance to reset.
• Improving blood flow and healing: By stimulating a trigger point, dry needling can increase circulation and promote tissue recovery.
• Reducing pain signals: Many patients notice decreased pain after needling sessions, which makes it easier to tolerate strengthening and stability exercises.
  
• Restoring movement: By easing tightness, dry needling allows the body to move with less restriction, creating a better foundation for long-term strength.

The Importance of Glute Strength and Core Recruitment

While dry needling provides immediate relief, it works best when paired with a strong exercise program focused on stability. In EDS, glute strength and core recruitment are key. The glutes provide power and stability for walking, climbing stairs, and standing upright, while the core helps protect the spine and pelvis. When these muscles are strong and firing correctly, the body doesn’t rely as heavily on smaller, easily fatigued muscles. This is especially important while pregnant or newly postpartum. 

After dry needling reduces pain and muscle guarding, patients are often better able to activate their glutes and core in exercises. This creates a positive cycle: 

less pain → better recruitment → improved stability → less compensation → less pain.

Putting It All Together—How Breathe. PTW Can Help With Hypermobility Disorders

For people living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, dry needling is not a stand-alone solution but a powerful part of a comprehensive approach. By combining this hands-on technique with targeted strengthening of the glutes and core, physical therapists can help restore balance, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

If you’ve been struggling with chronic tightness or instability due to hypermobility, dry needling may be the missing link that helps your muscles reset, allowing you to build lasting strength and move with greater confidence!

Call or text us at 515-882-0800 or email contactus@breatheptw.com  to schedule your appointment today!