PT Pro Talk - Ep 209 - The Hypermobile Patient - Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & HSD with Dr. Jan Dommerholt

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💡Why are patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility often dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told their severe pain is "just growing pains"?

In this episode of PT ProTalk, host Mariana Parks sits down with Dr. Jan Dommerholt, a globally recognized expert in myofascial, chronic, and orofacial pain, and a leading authority on hypermobility disorders. Dr. Dommerholt breaks down the systemic reality of EDS and explains exactly why physical therapy is the number one profession to help these patients regain control of their lives.

💭 "They used to call it benign hypermobility. Well, there's nothing benign about hypermobility, believe me." - Dr. Jan Dommerholt

👉🏻 Dr. Jan Dommerholt PT, DPT, MPS is a Dutch-trained physical therapist, widely recognized as a leading expert in myofascial, chronic, and orofacial pain. A pioneer in his field, he introduced dry needling to the United States in 1997 and remains a global authority and consultant on the practice. Leveraging his background as a former musician, he also specializes in performing arts physical therapy, focusing on treating musculoskeletal issues in instrumentalists.

Furthermore, Dr. Dommerholt is a prolific author and educator who has published numerous books, over 130 articles, and nearly 80 textbook chapters, while also lecturing globally and teaching at the University of Maryland. In addition to his extensive academic contributions, he is the president of Bethesda Physiocare®, serves on several editorial boards, and has received multiple prestigious awards for his clinical practice and educational excellence.

📚In this episode, you'll learn:

How to identify HSD/hEDS patients you're likely already seeing but missing
Why your standard MSK approach often fails this population - and what to do instead
How to build a practical treatment plan that accounts for pain flares and nonlinear progress
How education and validation can be your most powerful clinical tools with these patients

🔎Dr. Jan's Resource of Information:

Mintken, P. E., Dommerholt, J., & Francomano, C. A. (2026). Managing Patients With Hypermobility Disorders: They've Seen You, but Have You Seen Them? Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2026.13979
The Ehlers Danlos Society Website
EDS ECHO Programs & Courses for Healthcare Professionals

📲 Dr. Jan's contact information: