Summer is here! Water parks, beaches and pools have been drawing large crowds in recent weeks. Previously, we discussed exercises that are beneficial for people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), with swimming being one of our suggestions. Swimming and its benefits for EDS/HSD patients will be discussed in greater detail in this post as it can be a great option to keep active, burn calories, and develop your muscles without placing too much strain on your joints.

Due to the buoyancy of water, swimming is gentler on your joints compared to other activities and can be an excellent form of exercise for joint health. However, extra monitoring is required, especially for certain patient groups typically observed in EDS cases, such as those with repeated joint subluxations, shoulder issues, or spine instabilities. Improper training methods or too much effort might aggravate these issues. As a result, we strongly advise everyone, especially those with an EDS/HSD diagnosis, to visit their doctor before beginning a swimming regimen.

One of the remarkable advantages of swimming is its ability to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. By incorporating the four main swimming styles—freestyle stroke, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly stroke—you can effectively target various muscle groups throughout your body. This comprehensive muscle engagement makes swimming a great full-body workout for individuals with EDS/HSD.

Pain is a common complaint among people with EDS/HSD, and swimming has been found to offer relief. Studies have shown the Pain-Relieving Effects of Swimming for individuals with EDS/HSD, making it a recommended exercise for managing pain symptoms.

In addition to its joint-friendly and pain-relieving properties, swimming provides significant Cardiovascular Benefits. Regular swimming sessions help to improve circulation, expand lung capacity, and strengthen the heart. You can improve your cardiovascular health while reducing the strain on your joints by including swimming in your routine.

Not only is swimming good for your physical health, but it’s also good for your mind. Swimming has a lot of a positive effects on mood and general well-being. Recent studies show that swimming regularly can improve mood and lessen depressive symptoms, making it a fun and therapeutic activity for people with EDS/HSD.

The best way to begin a swimming practice is to start slowly and build up to a higher frequency and intensity of sessions over time. It is crucial to pay attention to your body’s limits and refrain from pushing yourself past them, in contrast to the “no pain, no gain” philosophy frequently associated with exercise. This mindful approach ensures a safe and sustainable swimming routine.

Read full article: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/newsfeed-post/swimming-for-eds-and-hsd/