My Story With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

I knew that I wanted to be a music teacher since I was nine years old. Throughout middle school, I played in orchestra and also auditioned for the Honor Orchestra. During my time in Honor Orchestra, I had the opportunity to record in Walt Disney's Studio with my class and performed for various judges throughout Oregon. Throughout high school, I continued this path and performed with The Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon. In my early 20s, I started having nerve pain and became unable to play violin and piano for a time. After much testing and doctor appointments, they  diagnosed me with carpal tunnel syndrome and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a connective tissue disorder in which your connective tissues are more stretchy and provide less stability than usual. Due to joint instability and hypermobility, many people with this condition can experience hand fatigue, tendon strain, or nerve irritation, especially when playing their musical instrument. People with this condition can also be more prone to injuries, joint instability, a subluxations, chronic pain. This condition can be genetic, and in my  specific case, doctors told me that my pain was not caused by incorrect positioning from my music playing/teaching. After my evaluation, doctors told me that my recovery would look like having nerve decompression surgeries, nerve shots, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and wearing wrist and elbow braces regularly for support. This was just my experience and I want to stress that every individual's  hEDS journey is different. 

While I am not a medical provider and cannot diagnose, treat, or monitor anyone with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, I am aware of the condition and specialize in teaching those who also have this condition. My lessons focus on finding comfortable/sustainable playing positions, adjusting technique to minimize unnecessary strain, and tailor lessons to the student's individual needs.