Managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and other chronic conditions comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to staying active while avoiding pain, joint instability, and fatigue. But movement is essential—it strengthens muscles to stabilize joints, improves circulation, and boosts overall well-being.

In this episode of Empowered EDS, Lauren and Jason, break down the role of physical activity in chronic illness management, offering practical, evidence-based strategies for incorporating safe, effective movement into daily life. Whether you're dealing with limited mobility, chronic pain, or fatigue, this episode provides adaptable exercise recommendations that work with your body, not against it.

Show Notes:

Physical activity is an essential part of managing chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), but for many, movement can feel overwhelming due to chronic pain, joint instability, and fatigue. In this episode of Empowered EDS, Lauren and Jason, explore how to incorporate movement in a way that supports, rather than stresses, the body.

The discussion explores the importance of finding pain-free movement, the mental health benefits of staying active, and how to integrate exercise with other lifestyle pillars like nutrition and sleep. We also highlight the role of proprioception in reducing dislocations and improving stability, and share practical strategies for adapting movement to different ability levels.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why movement matters for chronic illness management
✔️ How to find safe, pain-free movement that supports joint stability
✔️ The mental health benefits of physical activity for EDS
✔️ Proprioception—what it is and how it helps prevent dislocations
✔️ How to adapt movement routines during flare-ups without losing progress
✔️ The importance of an individualized approach—why tailored exercise programs work best
✔️ How to create simple, sustainable movement habits that fit into daily life

✅ Physical activity is essential for managing chronic conditions, but it must be adapted to the individual.
✅ Finding pain-free movement is crucial—never push through pain.
✅ Gentle engagement is still beneficial, even during flare-ups.
✅ Mental health improves with regular physical activity.
✅ Movement works best when integrated with nutrition, sleep, and stress management.
✅ Proprioception training helps improve body awareness and prevent dislocations.
✅ Small movements make a big difference—starting simple increases long-term consistency.
✅ Adapting movement routines during flare-ups helps maintain progress without causing setbacks.

🔹 00:00 – The Importance of Physical Activity in Chronic Illness Management
🔹 07:51 – The Mental Health Benefits of Movement
🔹 11:34 – Understanding Proprioception & Its Role in EDS Management
🔹 17:22 – How Exercise Can Help Manage Dislocations & Subluxations
🔹 20:18 – Individualized Assessment & Tailored Movement Plans
🔹 23:34 – Creating Sustainable Routines for Physical Activity
🔹 27:50 – Adapting Movement During Flare-Ups
🔹 32:33 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement to Start Small

🎙️ "Never push through pain."
🎙️ "Keep it simple."
🎙️ "Try something small this week."

🔔 Next Episode Preview:
Next week, we dive into nutrition for EDS, discussing how the right foods can support connective tissue health and inflammation management. Don’t miss it!

📢 If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs this information!

Did you know that small, daily lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on managing chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?

In this episode of Empowered EDS, Lauren Prince, MSW, FDN-P, explores Lifestyle Medicine—an evidence-based approach that prioritizes holistic, long-term health strategies over symptom management alone. She breaks down the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, explaining how nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and social connection can help EDS patients feel stronger, more resilient, and more in control of their health.

Lauren shares personal insights and real-world applications of these pillars, offering practical strategies for those looking to improve their well-being despite the challenges of a chronic condition.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ What Lifestyle Medicine is and how it differs from traditional medical approaches
✔️ How anti-inflammatory nutrition supports connective tissue and reduces symptoms
✔️ The role of low-impact, strength-focused movement in pain management
✔️ Why restorative sleep is a game-changer for chronic illness
✔️ How stress and inflammation are connected—and simple techniques to manage them
✔️ The impact of social connection on mental and physical health
✔️ Why avoiding risky substances (like alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications) is crucial for EDS management

✅ Lifestyle Medicine is a science-backed, whole-person approach to chronic illness management.
✅ The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine provide a powerful framework for improving health and quality of life with EDS.
✅ Nutrition plays a foundational role in reducing inflammation and supporting connective tissue.
✅ Movement matters, but it must be tailored to each individual’s needs—gentle, low-impact, and designed for EDS-friendly strength-building.
✅ Restorative sleep is essential for healing and managing fatigue.
✅ Stress management techniques (like mindfulness and breathwork) can dramatically reduce symptom flares.
✅ Avoiding harmful substances (including certain medications) can prevent worsening symptoms.
✅ Community and connection play a huge role in emotional and physical resilience.
✅ Small, sustainable changes lead to significant long-term health benefits.
✅ Understanding your individual triggers is key to effective EDS management.

🔹 00:00 – Introduction to Empowered EDS
🔹 00:25 – Understanding Lifestyle Medicine & Why It Matters
🔹 05:45 – The Importance of Physical Activity in EDS Management
🔹 17:12 – Nutrition’s Role in Connective Tissue Health
🔹 25:01 – How Nutrition Impacts Inflammation & Pain
🔹 27:19 – Why Restorative Sleep is Essential for Healing
🔹 33:11 – Stress Management Techniques to Reduce Symptoms
🔹 38:14 – Avoiding Risky Substances & Their Impact on Chronic Illness
🔹 41:51 – The Power of Social Connection & Emotional Well-Being
🔹 45:53 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps

🎙️ "The gut is your core."
🎙️ "You can't just eat a salad."
🎙️ "Sleep is a form of torture."

🔔 Don't Miss Future Episodes!
Next week, we’re diving deep into nutrition for EDS, exploring how specific nutrients support connective tissue health and reduce inflammation. Don’t miss it!

📢 If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs this information!

Links:

American College of Lifestyle Medicine