Living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) often means a lifetime of joint instability, unexplained pain, and fear of the next injury. But for Traci, a 40-year-old mom and former lifelong athlete, things escalated dramatically after her daughter was born. Her joints began to sublux more frequently, her pain intensified, and her world began getting smaller.
What she didn’t know then was that a combination of targeted physical therapy, osteopathic care, and image-guided orthobiologic procedures would help her experience reduced pain and improved function in ways she never expected.
This is her story.
From “Something Isn’t Right” to Daily Pain
Traci had always been flexible, more than flexible, really. Years of unexplained injuries and five hand surgeries hinted at an underlying issue, but nothing was formally diagnosed until after she had her daughter four years ago.
Soon after, her joints began to behave in ways that startled even her medical providers. Her left shoulder subluxed…and then didn’t go back in.
No amount of physical therapy, orthopedic evaluation, or careful repositioning could restore stability. For nearly nine months, her shoulder hung in an unstable position until the surrounding muscles could be strengthened enough to hold it in place. But it still left Traci terrified to move.
Her knees weren’t doing much better. Walking up stairs brought a loud crepitus. Squats and lunges were impossible. Pain radiated through the joint with even light pressure.
And then came the cervical spine symptoms, by far the most frightening.
- Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary movement of the eyes)
- Missing her own nose during coordination testing
- Fine-motor dysfunction
- A sense that her head wouldn’t stay stable on her neck
“I was coming to terms with being disabled,” she remembers. “I thought: this is my new life.”
Building a Plan for a Hypermobile Body
Through her husband’s employer and the Regenexx corporate program, Traci learned she had coverage for non-surgical orthobiologic care. hEDS affects the entire connective tissue system, so addressing just one joint wouldn’t be enough. Together, Traci and Dr. Torrance built a phased plan using:
- Image-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Bone marrow concentrate procedures (BMC), where stem cells are found.
- Strategic rehabilitation and stabilization exercises
Over time, she received procedures in multiple areas, including:
- Left shoulder
- Right knee
- Left knee
- Cervical spine (C2–C6)
- Lumbar spine
- SI joints
- Plans upcoming for C0/C1 for additional stability
Her care was comprehensive, individualized, and always paired with high-quality imaging and conservative strengthening work.
What Happened Next: Her Personal Experience
- Shoulder Stability for the First Time in Years
After treatment and rehab, Traci’s shoulder, once unstable for months, has not subluxed in over two years. She’s lifting weights, doing push-ups, and training with confidence. Things she truly thought she’d never be able to do again.
- Knee Pain That Once Felt Like a ‘Glass Shard’ is Now Manageable
Before treatment, even light pressure felt excruciating. Today, she’s walking, lunging, squatting, and even running when her neck allows.
- Cervical Instability: Major Improvements in Function
Her neurological symptoms have significantly diminished, and her daily fear of neck movement has eased.
- Physical Activity: From Barely Moving to Running Again
Recently, Traci went out for a 45-minute run, something she once feared she might never do again.
- Daily Life: Motherhood Regained
Her daughter is now four and weighs 45 lbs. The ability to lift, hold, and play with her child is one of the things she values most.
“She won’t grow up knowing a mom stuck on the couch. That means everything.”
The Experience: Compassion, Skill, and Support
Traci can’t talk about her journey without emphasizing how supported she felt. She describes the entire team as warm, calming, and deeply compassionate:
“Everyone is so sweet. I get hugs from everyone. They make you feel safe, even when you’re scared.”
“As for Dr. Torrance? He is my actual real-life hero.”
Today: Managing Chronic Illness, But Living Fully
Traci still has EDS, and she still manages symptoms, but she’s no longer preparing for a life defined by disability. She’s living actively, training again, playing with her daughter, and moving toward the future with optimism.
“The gratitude I feel is insane.”
Interested in Learning Whether Orthobiologic Options May Help Your Condition?
Schedule a consultation with our team to learn more about your individual case and whether a regenerative approach may support reduced pain and improved function for you.
Like all medical procedures, procedures using Regenexx lab processes have a success and failure rate. Patient reviews and testimonials on this site should not be interpreted as a statement on the effectiveness of our treatments for anyone else. For a full view of Regenexx procedure outcomes, click here.
