For children with genetic conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), daily activities that many families take for granted can become physically exhausting, painful, or frustrating. Walking long distances, participating in sports, maintaining posture in the classroom, or even keeping up with peers on the playground may present ongoing challenges.
The good news is that early physical therapy intervention can make a tremendous difference in helping children build strength, improve stability, reduce pain, and gain confidence during their most important developmental years.
At Crawl Walk Jump Run Therapy Clinic, we believe therapy is not just about helping children “catch up.” It is about giving them the tools, support, and movement strategies they need to thrive as they grow.
What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of connective tissue disorders that affect collagen, which is one of the body’s primary structural proteins.
Collagen plays a major role in:
● Joint stability
● Skin elasticity
● Muscle support
● Blood vessels
● Ligaments and tendons
Because connective tissue exists throughout the body, children with EDS may experience symptoms that affect multiple body systems.
Common Symptoms of EDS in Children
Every child presents differently, but common symptoms may include:
● Joint hypermobility (“double-jointedness”)
● Frequent joint pain
● Fatigue
● Poor posture
● Delayed motor skills
● Coordination difficulties
● Muscle weakness
● Balance challenges
● Frequent falls
● Difficulty keeping up with peers physically
● Joint instability or dislocations
● Flat feet
● Chronic pain
Many children with EDS are often misunderstood because they may appear physically capable while struggling significantly with endurance, pain, and body control.
Other Genetic Conditions That Benefit from Physical Therapy
While EDS is becoming more recognized, many other genetic and connective tissue disorders also benefit greatly from early therapy intervention.
Examples include:
● Marfan Syndrome
● Down Syndrome
● Muscular dystrophies
● Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
● Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
● Rett Syndrome
● Cerebral palsy with genetic involvement
● Hypotonia-related disorders
● Rare chromosomal conditions
These diagnoses can impact:
● Muscle tone
● Strength
● Endurance
● Coordination
● Posture
● Balance
● Mobility
● Functional independence
Physical therapy helps children build foundational movement skills while protecting their growing bodies.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Children’s bodies are constantly developing.
When weakness, instability, or poor movement patterns are left untreated, children may begin compensating in ways that create larger problems over time.
Without intervention, children may experience:
● Increased joint stress
● Chronic pain
● Reduced participation in activities
● Poor endurance
● Delayed gross motor skills
● Reduced confidence
● Increased risk of injury
● Difficulty accessing age-appropriate activities
Early physical therapy can help establish safer movement patterns before the body develops long-term compensation strategies.
Physical Therapy Is About More Than Exercise
For children with EDS and other genetic conditions, physical therapy must be highly individualized.
Aggressive strengthening or inappropriate stretching can sometimes worsen symptoms rather than help.
At Crawl Walk Jump Run, therapy focuses on:
● Controlled strengthening
● Joint protection
● Functional movement
● Endurance building
● Postural stability
● Coordination training
● Neuromuscular re-education
● Safe body mechanics
The goal is not simply to “work harder,” but to help the body work more efficiently and safely.
Building Stability in Growing Bodies
One of the biggest challenges for children with hypermobility disorders is joint instability.
When joints move excessively, muscles must work harder to stabilize the body throughout daily activities.
This often leads to:
● Fatigue
● Pain
● Muscle overuse
● Poor endurance
Physical therapy helps strengthen the smaller stabilizing muscles that support the joints and improve overall body mechanics.
This can lead to:
● Better posture
● Improved walking patterns
● Greater balance
● Less pain
● Increased confidence in movement
Improving Endurance and Energy Conservation
Many children with EDS tire much faster than their peers.
Simple activities such as:
● Climbing stairs
● Walking through school
● Participating in gym class
● Carrying a backpack
can become physically draining.
Physical therapists help children gradually improve endurance while also teaching energy conservation strategies to prevent overexertion.
Therapy may include:
● Cardiovascular conditioning
● Functional strengthening
● Activity pacing
● Adaptive strategies
Addressing Pain Through Movement
Pain is a very real part of many genetic and connective tissue disorders. However, avoiding movement entirely can often worsen weakness and instability. Physical therapy helps children move in ways that:
● Reduce stress on joints
● Improve alignment
● Build muscular support
● Increase body awareness
Hands-on therapy techniques, movement retraining, and individualized exercise programs can all help reduce discomfort and improve participation in daily life.
Balance, Coordination, and Motor Planning
Children with genetic conditions may struggle with:
● Coordination
● Balance
● Spatial awareness
● Body control
These challenges can impact:
● Sports participation
● Playground activities
● Safety during walking
● Confidence with movement
Therapy focuses on improving:
● Core strength
● Dynamic balance
● Coordination
● Motor planning
● Functional mobility
This helps children feel more successful during everyday activities.
The Emotional Impact of Physical Challenges
Children who cannot physically keep up with peers often experience:
● Frustration
● Anxiety
● Reduced self-esteem
● Social withdrawal
Physical therapy is not only about movement—it is also about helping children feel capable, confident, and empowered.
Celebrating small successes can make a huge difference in a child’s emotional wellbeing.
The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Many children with EDS and genetic conditions benefit from a team approach that may include:
● Physical therapy
● Occupational therapy
● Speech therapy
● Orthotics
● Medical specialists
● Adaptive equipment
● Pain management strategies
At Crawl Walk Jump Run Therapy Clinic, collaboration between disciplines allows us to treat the whole child—not just isolated symptoms.
How Crawl Walk Jump Run Stands Out
At Crawl Walk Jump Run Therapy Clinic, we understand that children with complex medical and genetic conditions require more than generalized therapy programs.
Our therapists are experienced in treating:
● Hypermobility disorders
● Neurological conditions
● Genetic syndromes
● Developmental delays
● Complex motor impairments
We utilize individualized treatment plans that focus on:
● Functional outcomes
● Safe strengthening
● Developmental progression
● Neuromuscular control
● Family education
● Long-term success
Our clinic also offers specialized equipment and advanced therapeutic approaches that help children safely build strength, coordination, and confidence in engaging and meaningful ways.
Helping Children Get Ahead During Their Growing Years
Childhood and adolescence are critical windows for development.
The earlier we can support:
● Movement quality
● Strength
● Coordination
● Stability
● Endurance
the better the long-term outcomes may be.
Physical therapy helps children with EDS and other genetic conditions build a stronger foundation so they can participate more fully in school, sports, play, family activities, and everyday life.
Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Thrive
Children with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and genetic conditions are often incredibly resilient, determined, and capable. With the right support system and individualized therapy, they can continue building the skills and confidence they need to navigate the world successfully.
At Crawl Walk Jump Run Therapy Clinic, we are passionate about helping children and families feel supported throughout every stage of growth and development.
Because therapy is not just about managing limitations—it is about helping every child reach their fullest potential.
