Hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes & POTS

Select Treatment For Complex Conditions

We specialize in the treatment of several specific complex chronic conditions. The following conditions often but not always are seen together and have significant overlap in terms of symptoms and proper management.

Dr. Lipe herself has hypermobile EDS and MCAS, and has spent the last 10 years researching and learning from experts in the country about various treatments for these conditions. While she still constantly has new physical battles to overcome, she has finally regained most of her function, and wants to empower others with effective tools and support on their own healing journeys.

11062b_f0cd2b56e86443d68d21b6bc12fe055c_

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes

A set of 13 chronic conditions characterized by abnormal structure or function of collagen and connective tissue. Symptoms can often include hypermobility and instability, soft skin, chronic dislocations, gut disfunction, gastroparesis, scoliosis, abnormal scarring, chronic pain, migraines, TMJ, white fingers and toes, prolapse, and many more potential symptoms and presentations.

Hypermobility spectrum Disorder

People with this condition are often extremely flexible or double jointed in certain joints, dislocate or sublux often. It is important to train the muscles to perform microstability movements to decrease pain and keep the joints from degrading over time.

Postural Orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
"POTS"

A condition that affects blood flow, often causing lightheadness, fatigue, fainting, rapid heart rate, cold extremities, and more. It is thought to be caused by imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. Successful treatment involves balancing the autonomic nervous system via breathing, manual, and vagal stimulation techniques, as well as specific manual therapy to improve circulation and free the connective tissue surrounding the heart and lungs.

Mast cell activation syndrome

A condition in which immune mast cells are released too frequently in response to triggers that should not be harmful (foods, hormones, weather, stress, chemicals, etc). This can lead to a wide range of symptoms such as flushing, itching, bloating and other GI problems, interstitial cystitis and bladder pain, worsening menstual pain, fainting, rashes, swollen joints, headaches, and more. Proper treatment includes coaching in identifying and managing triggers, while using visceral mobilization and myokinesthetics to manage symptoms and free up connective tissue tightness that can contribute to mast cell activation.

While treatment always varies based on each patient's unique presentation, there are certain tools and techniques I have found to be highly effective in treating these conditions. These include:

Advanced Myokinesthetics

Dr. Lipe and her team at Phoenix utilize advanced myokinesthetics, a combination of touch and movement that targets a specific series of muscles associated with different nerve roots in the body, resetting the baseline signal being sent out from those areas of the spine. This gentle but powerful technique in turn has lasting effects on posture and motor control, autonomic nervous system balance and vagal tone (the nerve responsible for controlling your heart, blood pressure, gut movement, breathing, and bladder). Dr. Lipe holds an Advanced Myokinesthetics Practitioner certification.

Vagal Nerve Stimulation

The use of novel microcurrent point stimulation on certain areas of the ear and body to reset the 'tone' being sent out by the vagus nerve. This helps regulate heart rate, respiratory rate, bladder frequency, anxiety and more. This technology is so powerful they are using it in hospitals to save those dying from COVID-induced ARDs.

Visceral Massage

The use of gentle manual techniques to the areas surrounding the organs to free up fascial restrictions, increase blood flow and improve their function. A powerful tool for IBS, UC, gall bladder, liver or stomach dysfunction, Endometriosis, and many more.

Microstability Training

Training in specific exercises that activate the 'microstabilizers' of the body. These stabilizers are hugely important in improving function and decreasing pain in those with increased tissue laxity.

Pelvic Floor Therapy for Males and Females

The muscles of the pelvic floor are a key and often forgotten part of our core stabilizers. They also help to regulate bowel and bladder function, and prevent pelvic prolapse, a condition those with increased tissue laxity are prone to developing with age. Treating pelvic floor dysfunction has also been shown to help with POTS, gastroparesis, constipation, IBS and sacroiliac joint pain.

Scar Tissue Release

Those with EDS are often more prone to developing too much or abnormal types of scar tissue. This scar tissue can lead to pain and dysfunction of surrounding organs over time. We use a combination of specific manual techniques along with microcurrent point stimulation to permanently release scar tissue.

Nutrition Counseling

Advice on various protocols that have been found helpful for those with IBS, gastroparesis, MCAS, and more.

Trigger point Dry Needling

The use of small acupuncture needles to directly penetrate and release tense points in muscles that can contribute to chronic pain. We use it in conjunction with Microcurrent Point Stimulation (see above) for more effective and lasting results.

Cupping

Uses silicone cups to create a vacuum around dysfunctional tissue, increasing blood flow and freeing up fascial restrictions. When used in the abdomen this can help to regulate GI movement.

Kinesiology Taping

This tape can help provide stability and biofeedback to patients with instability and poor posture, especially as they are first starting exercises.

Other Specialization and Skills:

Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Craniocervical Instability
Mindfulness and Meditation Training for Chronic Pain, Anxiety and More
Lymphatic massage (we do not do wrapping)
Custom Orthotic Casting