Ehlers Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder Care in Portland, Oregon

Comprehensive hEDS & Hypermobility Support for Children & Adults

At Willow Natural Health, Dr. Cori Burke provides thoughtful, comprehensive care for children, teens, and adults with hypermobility disorders throughout Portland, Milwaukie, and surrounding Oregon communities.

Many people with hypermobility spend years being told they are “just flexible,” anxious, deconditioned, or overly sensitive before receiving an appropriate evaluation and understanding of how connective tissue differences may be contributing to their health concerns.

Dr. Burke has extensive experience evaluating and supporting patients with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD). She takes the time to understand the full picture of each patient’s health and how hypermobility may be affecting multiple body systems.

What Is Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)?

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are connective tissue conditions that can affect far more than the joints alone. Because connective tissue is present throughout the entire body, symptoms may involve the musculoskeletal system, autonomic nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, immune system, skin, and brain.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a hereditary connective tissue disorder characterized by generalized joint hypermobility along with broader systemic symptoms and connective tissue features.

Connective tissue provides structural support throughout the body. When connective tissue is more elastic or fragile than expected, it can contribute to joint instability, chronic pain, autonomic dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, and a wide range of multi-system health concerns.

Common Symptoms of hEDS & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder

Symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may fluctuate over time. Hypermobility often occurs alongside other conditions, including dysautonomia and POTS, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), digestive concerns, chronic pain, fatigue, Long COVID, and related health challenges.

Common symptoms associated with hEDS and HSD include:

Evaluation for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobility Disorders

Unlike some other forms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, there is currently no single genetic test that confirms hEDS. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination, and established diagnostic criteria.

A key component of evaluating hEDS is the Beighton Score, a standardized assessment used to evaluate generalized joint hypermobility. During in-person visits, Dr. Burke carefully assesses for hypermobility and connective tissue findings as part of her comprehensive clinical evaluation.

Some individuals may not meet full diagnostic criteria for hEDS but still experience significant symptoms related to symptomatic hypermobility. These patients may instead be diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). Dr. Burke offers management strategies for both hEDS and HSD.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobility Management in Portland, Oregon

Willow Natural Health provides comprehensive hypermobility and connective tissue disorder care for patients throughout Portland, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Oregon City, Vancouver, and across Oregon via in-person and telemedicine appointments.

If you are searching for an experienced provider for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, POTS, MCAS, chronic fatigue, or complex chronic illness, Dr. Cori Burke offers compassionate, in-depth care for patients who have often struggled to find answers elsewhere.

Schedule an appointment to begin a comprehensive, collaborative approach to understanding and supporting your health.

Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about Dr. Burke’s approach to managing hEDS and Hypermobility Disorders.