“Issues in your connective tissues” – A response to Lululemon’s recent blog post about the Melt Method and connective tissue problems
More and more research is providing information on how “issues in your connective tissues” stem from various genetic factors (i.e. Joint Hypermobility and other hypermobility syndromes, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), and are often exacerbated by epigenetics and immune dysfunction. The response below was posted on the EDS Wellness Facebook page in response to an article that Lululemon shared via their website and on their Facebook page.
“Lululemon Athletica – you overlooked an excellent opportunity to help raise awareness on a condition that presents on a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms, with variability ranging from little issues other than “loose joints” to complete disability – 10% of the population is estimated to have joint hypermobility in some form and for some reason. There are countless individuals with joint hypermobility, who also have several other chronic medical problems as well, including chronic pain, and I am sure there are plenty seeking relief through the Melt Method, or other gentle forms of exercise.
Joint Hypermobility is much than “just loose joints. Connective tissue is everywhere in our bodies and can affect anything (i.e. approx. 85% are estimated to have functional GI issues like IBS and slow motility). Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS or HMS) or Ehlers-Danlos Hypermobility Type (HEDS) is a genetic connective tissue disorder and is a real multi-systemic condition, presenting differently in each person who has it. The model in the featured picture for your blog post seems to be hypermobile as well (based on her elbow joints). An active lifestyle and nutrition are paramount to living well with all types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and other conditions that cause joint hypermobility, but not one way or thing works for everyone. However, awareness is critical to helping all patients and to help prevent patients from getting worse (“The EDS Spiral,” as I call it) due to lack of updated information, education and dismissal by healthcare practitioners of how very real and devastating this condition can be for so many. The good news is that I know a number of individuals with EDS who use the melt method to help with the chronic pain that often goes hand in hand with JHS/EDS, but it’s not the solution.
Currently, there is no cure for JHS/HEDS or any EDS. I even discuss the melt method on my website, Strength/Flexibility/Health/EDS – a digital magazine for those striving to live well with EDS and its related conditions.
To learn about the different types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), go to ‘What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?’.You can also review my business pages EDS Wellness, Kendra N Myles: Ehlers-Danlos Advocate, Health Educator, Speaker & Author & Moving Naturally with Hypermobility, or follow my personal journey to be a yoga instructor with The Mindfulness Center.
Even better, come to our integrative wellness conference at the end of April 2017 – Wellapalooza in the DC area. We love partnering with local businesses, to help attendees learn to live well with any chronic medical condition. And so many of us live in Lulu clothing. Lululemon Athletica Bethesda has always been veery supportive of the events I’ve put together.
We also have some active support groups related to remaining active with EDS. Many of us where Lululemon clothing, such as Ehlers-Danlos Athletes and The Hypermobile Yogi.”
To read more about joint hypermobility and hypermobility syndromes, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, please visit http://edswellness.org/index.php/2016/12/13/joint-hypermobility-hypermobility-syndromes-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-hypermobility-type/