Every year since 2006, May has been recognised all over the world as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) Awareness Month. Providing a unique platform to bring attention to the condition and promote progress in research and treatment, the campaign also exists to celebrate the lives and achievements of those who are affected.

SDO® Original DZ (Double Expanding Zip) Suit in No. 2 Astronaut theme

EDS/HSD Awareness Month was established by The Ehlers-Danlos Society, an organisation founded almost four decades ago in 1985. Then known as The Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation, the society was created by Nancy Hanna Rogowski as a way to connect people with EDS in order that they could share experiences and provide one another with crucial information and support. Over the past 40 years, the society has been a major contributor to advancements in EDS research and public advocacy of the condition. 

Though identified in 1901 by Edvard Ehlers, whose research was built upon by Henri-Alexandre Danlos, EDS was not formally classified until many years later. Prior to 1997, EDS was classified into 10 different types but improvements in genetic testing have since established at least 15. Numerous papers published in the Journal of Medical Genetics in 2017 clarified these types and characterised their properties in detail; The Ehlers-Danlos Society publicly released a full review of the research which was recognised as 'the first significant update for more than 20 years'. 

EDS/HSD Awareness Month 2024 will see thousands of individuals and organisations participating in a variety of events that help to highlight the conditions and raise vital funds for various charities. One of these is called 'Light it Up!', which encourages people to get in touch with 'buildings of interest' to light said buildings in orange in support of the campaign. 

Another key event, which takes place every year, is the 'Walk and Roll Challenge'. Participants in the challenge seek sponsorship to traverse a fixed distance using whatever means possible, whether that is walking, running, cycling, wheeling or anything else. Every achieved distance is submitted to and carefully calculated by The Ehlers-Danlos Society, with the aim of collectively reaching a total distance equal to Earth's circumference: a massive 25,000 miles!

Comfort & support with SDO^® Original

While there is currently no known cure for EDS, it doesn't mean managing the symptoms is impossible. Many have found solace in dynamic compression garments – a solution that offers comfort and support to those living with these conditions. Our signature SDO® Original and SDO® Lite Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ garments offer an array of benefits to those with EDS and HSD, including joint stability, pain reduction and improved function. 

Clinical observations and the evidence available shows that wearing our SDO^® Original dynamic Lycra^® compression garments leads to an improvement in positioning, posture and function because it provides musculoskeletal alignment, postural stability and sensory feedback. This is thought to be due to the stimulation of the somatosensory and musculoskeletal systems which give changes in tone and postural alignment. This will then lead to improved proximal stability and improved biomechanical advantage for muscle activation and enhancement of learning strategies.­ Through the use of an SDO^® Original garment; providing constant, consistent compression, stretch, support and sensory information, the patient is given the effect of therapeutic handling for the time that the garment is worn. 

Interested in learning more about how these garments can potentially improve quality of life? Our range of SDO^® Original dynamic Lycra^® compression garments has been designed with the unique needs of EDS and HSD patients in mind. These aren't just any garments, these are scientifically designed tools for symptom management. We invite you to browse the Medigarments Ltd website, if you have any questions or need expert advice, please get in touch with our dedicated clinical team. To read our weekly blog, along with lots of other news and updates, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Medigarments Ltd is the company behind the internationally recognised brands Jobskin^® and SDO^®. We lead the way in rehabilitation therapy and are the largest UK manufacturer of specialist custom compression garments supplied through therapy and orthotic professionals.­ Our reputation for the design and supply of technically advanced garments has been built over 40 years supplying the highest quality made-to-measure products. Our garments are used to manage scarring as a result of burns or traumatic injuries. In the field of dynamic compression, they are used to increase sensory and proprioceptive feedback as well as provide musculoskeletal support.

We are dedicated to providing the ultimate in therapy management, with a focus on improving patient quality of life.

If you are interested in Medigarments Ltd or any of our products, please contact us via telephone on 0115 973 4300 or email at customerservice@jobskin.co.uk

The World of SDO^® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ range of dynamic Lycra^® compression garments by Medigarments Ltd. SDO^® and Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ are trademarks of Medigarments Ltd.