Chronic Pain & Hypermobility Issues

What is Pain Neuroscience Education?

  • Pain neuroscience education (PNE) is educating patients in the scientific, neurobiological, and neurophysiological explanations for pain including the use of pictures, examples, metaphors, hand drawings, and homework assignments.
  • PNE helps release the endorphins and chemicals naturally occurring in your body to assist in reducing pain.
  • PNE is provided in addition to other therapeutic activities and treatments.
  • Research shows PNE has positive effects on pain, function and disability, pain catastrophization, physical movement, perform better, have better cognitions regarding their pain, and have decreased sensitization of the nervous system.
  • Research shows we treat pain, not just manage pain.

What types of problems can benefit from PNE?

  • Pre-surgical (lumbar, neck, knee, shoulder, etc.)
  • Post-surgical (lumbar, neck, knee, shoulder, etc.)
  • Chronic low back pain
  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • CRPS
  • Hypermobility
  • Lyme disease
  • Widespread pain
  • Nerve pain

Read Bio

Brenda Jerald, DPT provides PNE at Hayden Lake Physical Therapy and Aquatics. Brenda earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences in 2011, and received her Therapeutic Pain Specialist certification through Evidence in Motion.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder

What is EDS and HSD?

The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 heritable connective tissue disorders. Each type of EDS has its own set of features with distinct diagnostic criteria. Some features are seen in many types of EDS including joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility.

Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are connective tissue disorders which cause joint hypermobility, instability, injury, and pain.

Joint hypermobility means a person's joints have a greater range of motion than is normal. If you are experiencing joint pain in joints with increased range of motion, you may benefit from specific treatments to improve stability, isolated muscle movements, and strategies to manage your pain. Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your health, mobility and function. With identifying your specific needs, a customized treatment is developed for each person's needs to help them reach their goals and learn strategies to manage pain.

What are some comorbidities of EDS and HSD?

  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
  • Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Dysautonomia