Gnathological and osteopathic treatments with digital evaluations before and after therapies: a case report of a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Background. Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are inherited connective tissue disorders, requiring specific care along with a multidisciplinary approach by an expert medical staff, as for both the diagnosis and the treatment management. Chronic generalized pain and musculoskeletal dysfunctions due to joint hypermobility are common traits. Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are among the most frequent complaints. The authors report the diagnostic and therapeutic management of an EDS subject. Case presentation. A 33-year old woman with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobile type, was clinically evaluated and treated. She underwent a gnathological therapy with an anterior repositioning splint and proprioception exercises, and a physical rehabilitation through an osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT). Technology - surface Electromyography (sEMG) of masticatory muscles, T-scan and stabilometric platform- supported diagnostic and therapeutic phases, giving objective and quantifiable information on the patient's assessment before and after treatments. Conclusion. According to a targeted therapeutic strategy, both the gnathological and the osteopathic therapy proved to be effective in improving patient's symptomatology and functionality, as confirmed by digital findings.