Day 11: EDS: The Yoga Connection
One of the primary tests for determining if you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) evaluates your hypermobility. Hypermobility, or an increase in the range of movement of which a body part and especially a joint is capable (Merriam-Webster), in the case of EDS is caused by a defective collagen protein that leads to weakened connective tissues. My tendons and ligaments are not strong enough to hold things in place. This was never more apparent in my life than when I began to participate in and teach yoga as I approached my 40s. It all came so easily to me and I thought I was just naturally gifted at it. I guess in a way that was true, but that gift came with a price. It didn't take long for me to start sustaining injuries. I reasoned them away as having not warmed up enough or that I was practicing too much. The truth was my weakened connective tissues were tearing, and because of their faulty collagen they were not healing quickly or fully so the injuries were c