Adaptive Equipment Ideas
Let’s be clear: bracing, supports, mobility aids, and ergonomic tools aren’t giving up. They’re giving in—to logic. When your collagen’s basically confetti, stabilizing your body is not a cop-out, it’s how you get through the damn day.
The All-Star Lineup: Gear That Gives You Your Life Back
- Compression gear: For POTS, blood pooling, and fatigue. It’s like Spanx with medical benefits.
- Joint braces: Think knees, wrists, ankles, thumbs. Whether it’s a thumb spica or hinged knee brace, the right one keeps you upright.
- Mobility aids: Rollators, canes, walkers—yes, even the kind with seats. (Spoiler: sitting is healing.)
- Grabbers & reachers: So you don’t turn a light stretch into a multi-day dislocation.
- Shower chairs & toilet risers: Stability where it really counts. Falling naked is never fun.
- Stabilizing shoes/orthotics: Yes, your Converse are cute. No, they don’t support your arches.
- Voice amplifiers or comm boards (for MCAS flares or fatigue): Not all aids are visible.
Where to Get It
- Online DME retailers like Vive Health, Performance Health, or even Amazon (but watch the quality).
- Insurance-covered DME providers – ask your doc for a ‘Letter of Medical Necessity.’
- Physical or Occupational Therapists – some clinics demo and order gear for you.
- Facebook groups & resale sites – zebras pass down gently-used equipment like heirlooms.
Lists from Others
Ehlers-Danlos News list
An OT’s guide to EDS adaptive equipment to EDS
