Ehlers Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder Care in Portland, Oregon
Comprehensive hEDS & Hypermobility Support
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.
Many patients 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 symptoms.
At Willow Natural Health, Dr. Cori Burke provides thoughtful, comprehensive care for children, teens, and adults with hypermobility disorders and related complex chronic illnesses throughout Portland, Oregon and surrounding communities.
Dr. Burke has a special interest in medically complex and treatment-resistant cases, including patients who have seen multiple providers or failed previous treatment approaches without meaningful improvement.
She works with children, teens, and adults experiencing hEDS, HSD, and related complex chronic illness patterns including POTS, MCAS, Long COVID, chronic fatigue, neuroinflammatory conditions, and chronic pain syndromes.
What Is Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)?
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.
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 evaluation 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 a 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).
Common Symptoms of hEDS & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder
Symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may fluctuate over time. Common symptoms associated with hEDS and HSD include:
- Joint hypermobility and frequent joint injuries
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Joint instability, subluxations, or dislocations
- Fatigue and exercise intolerance
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- POTS and dysautonomia
- Gastrointestinal symptoms including IBS, reflux, bloating, constipation, and nausea
- Headaches and migraines
- Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance
- Easy bruising or fragile skin
- Poor wound healing
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensory sensitivity and nervous system dysregulation
Because hypermobility can affect multiple body systems simultaneously, patients are often referred between specialists for years before the underlying connective tissue disorder is recognized.
Hypermobility, POTS, MCAS & Complex Chronic Illness
hEDS and HSD commonly overlap with other chronic health conditions, including:
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Dysautonomia
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
- Long COVID
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME-CFS
- IBS and SIBO
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Neuroinflammatory conditions
- Migraine disorders
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
Dr. Burke takes a whole-person approach to care, recognizing that connective tissue disorders often involve complex interactions between the nervous system, immune system, gastrointestinal system, and energy metabolism.
Specialized Care for Complex & Treatment-Resistant Cases
Many patients seeking care for hEDS and HSD have already tried physical therapy, medications, supplements, dietary changes, or multiple specialist evaluations without significant improvement.
Dr. Burke welcomes medically complex cases and works with patients who continue to experience debilitating symptoms despite prior treatment. Rather than focusing solely on symptom suppression, her approach aims to better understand the underlying factors contributing to chronic illness patterns and functional impairment.
Evaluation may include assessment of:
- Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
- Joint instability and connective tissue symptoms
- Gastrointestinal dysfunction and motility issues
- Mast cell activation and histamine-related symptoms
- Chronic inflammation and neuroinflammation
- Fatigue and post-exertional symptom worsening
- Sleep quality and nervous system regulation
- Nutritional status and nutrient deficiencies
- Coexisting chronic illness patterns
Care plans are individualized, collaborative, and designed to support long-term function and quality of life while respecting each patient’s unique sensitivities, energy limitations, and lived experience.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Care 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.